Criminal Justice Bill : New Clause 17 (NC17)

Abortion Decriminalisation: Trusting Women, Modernising the Law

The recent vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales was a free vote in Parliament. This meant that MPs were able to vote according to their conscience. I voted in favour, because I believe that we must do more than pay lip service to a woman’s right to choose what happens to her own body.

The law that criminalised abortion dates back to 1861, a time when women had no vote, no voice, and little agency over their lives. It is extraordinary that, until now, it could still technically be a criminal offence for a woman to end her pregnancy, even under difficult or distressing circumstances.

The amendment I supported, as part of the Crime and Policing Bill, finally brings this aspect of the law into the 21st century. It does not change clinical time limits or the medical safeguards already in place. What it does is remove the threat of prosecution and allows decisions about pregnancy to be treated as health matters, not criminal ones.

This is a long overdue change that will make a real difference to women across the country, including here in South East Cornwall.

Abortion is never an easy topic, and I respect that people hold a range of views. But at the heart of this debate is a simple principle: women should be trusted to make decisions about their own lives and bodies, without fear of criminal charges.

I want to thank everyone who contacted me to share their views, whether for or against. Your voices and your engagement help shape this country’s laws, and I will always take that responsibility seriously.

Anna Gelderd MP
Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall