Senior Church of England bishops and over 200 clergy have voiced strong concerns over recent moves in Parliament to decriminalise abortion at any stage of pregnancy.
The amendment, which passed the House of Commons by a majority of 242 on Tuesday 17th June, would remove criminal penalties for women ending their own pregnancies, by disapplying the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Supporters describe it as a “hard-won victory” for women, while opponents - including some Christian groups - warn that it goes too far.
In a letter, 13 bishops and nearly 200 Church of England clergy described the proposed law as “a dangerous change.” It reads: “We are troubled by the amendment voted through by the House of Commons on Tuesday to decriminalise terminations in utero up to full term. As many elected politicians move further away from the Christian moral values that have hitherto shaped much that is good in our national life, our concern is that the vulnerable and voiceless are increasingly overlooked.”
The bishops warn that the amendment could leave "women and unborn children" at "even greater risk of harm than previously,” particularly in cases of abuse or coercion. They argue that the introduction of abortion 'pills by post' during the pandemic is primarily to blame for prosecutions against women whose pregnancies ended.
The letter continues: “The tragedy of abortion will invariably move us to compassion for the pregnant woman, we are mindful also of the viability of the life of her child who is also deserving of compassion and needs protection under the law. This huge change in our understanding of the place of the termination of pregnancies also risks overlooking the vulnerable position of women who are victims of sexual abuse, domestic abuse and coercion, which is all the more acute due to the availability of the abortion pill by post without recourse to in-person consultation with a medical professional."
“It is our sincere hope that this legislation will be further modified in the House of Lords to protect those who are vulnerable," the clergy wrote.
The letter was coordinated by the Revd Richard Bastable, vicar of St Luke’s Church, Shepherd’s Bush. He commented: “The proposed change in the law puts women and unborn children at greater risk, especially in cases of abuse and coercion. This, together with the current debate on assisted suicide, indicates a worrying move to prioritise social liberalism and personal autonomy in a way that causes harm to the most vulnerable and those who are voiceless, both at the beginning and the end of life. It is the Church’s task to offer advocacy, protection, and to show society a better way.”
Premier approached a pro-choice Christian organisation, who declined to comment.
The legislation still needs to complete its passage through both the Commons and the Lords before it can become law. Currently, abortion in England and Wales is legal up to 24 weeks with restrictions, and in very limited circumstances beyond that period. Women may take prescribed abortion medication at home if they are less than 10 weeks pregnant.
