British lawmakers approved a historic amendment to decriminalize abortion after 24 weeks in England and Wales, with the vote passing 379 to 137. This amendment marks a considerable shift in abortion laws, which have been rooted in a 1861 Victorian-era law criminalizing abortion. The new legislation will eliminate criminal penalties for unlawful abortions, enhancing women's reproductive rights amidst increasing prosecutions for suspected illegal abortions. Tonia Antoniazzi, a Labour lawmaker, called the vote a "once in a generation" opportunity and emphasized that current abortion services will continue under the 1967 Act.
"This represents the biggest change to abortion laws in England and Wales in decades, reflecting a shift towards more supportive reproductive rights for women."
"The amendment aims to prevent the criminal prosecution of individuals suspected of having unlawful abortions, which is significant given the British historical context of these laws."
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