The move to decriminalise abortion up to birth has been described as “deeply troubling” by the Christian social policy charity CARE.
The House of Lords backed an amendment on Wednesday that would remove criminal liability for ending a pregnancy at any stage, for any reason. The proposal, which passed the Commons last June, would apply even in cases such as sex selection.
The change follows a vote by MPs to decriminalise women ending their own pregnancies, brought forward by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi after cases of women being investigated by police.
Peers rejected attempts to overturn the measure, including an amendment from Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest, who had called it a “radical proposal”.
Speaking to Premier Christian News, Caroline Ansell, director of advocacy and policy at CARE, said: "The law is meant to act as a safeguard. In that light, the vote last night to decriminalise abortion in cases over the legal limit is deeply troubling. There's no other way to describe it."
"Decriminalising was portrayed as the compassionate response, but the sorry truth is that shielding women who induce an illegal abortion can only mean that more women, not fewer, may risk dangerous, desperate steps to end their late-term pregnancy," she continued.
Peter Lynas, UK director of the Evangelical Alliance said the vote "removes any legal deterrent and weakens vital safeguards for women and unborn children".
He continued: “As Christians, we believe every life has inherent dignity. Parliament must now act to address the risks created by this decision, ensuring women in crisis pregnancies receive compassionate, life-affirming support, and that both mother and child are cared for with dignity before and after birth.”
Peers also voted against requiring in-person consultations before abortion pills are prescribed. Since 2020, women under ten weeks pregnant have been allowed to take medication at home following a phone or video consultation.
Abortion in England and Wales remains a criminal offence unless carried out by authorised providers up to 24 weeks, with limited exceptions after that. If the changes become law, those assisting abortions beyond the legal limit could still face prosecution.
