MPs are set to vote on a significant amendment regarding abortion laws in England and Wales. The amendment, tabled by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, aims to decriminalize abortion at any stage for a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy.
Currently, abortion is illegal in England and Wales under the Offences against the Person Act of 1861, except under certain conditions specified in the 1967 Abortion Act, which allows abortions up to 24 weeks and in other specific circumstances, requiring the signature of two doctors. The proposed amendment seeks to decriminalize abortion up to 24 weeks, negating some elements of the 1967 act, and also ensure that late – term abortions outside the scope of the act do not result in prison sentences.
The vote comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of women being investigated by police on suspicion of illegal pregnancy termination. MPs from various parties, including Labour, the Lib Dems, and the Conservatives, will have a free vote, meaning they will not be instructed by their parties on how to vote. The outcome of this vote will have a profound impact on the future of abortion rights in England and Wales.
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