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House of Lords Votes to Pardon Women Convicted of Abortions

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The House of Lords voted to pardon women convicted of illegal abortions, following the House of Commons' decriminalization decision, with cross-party support.
The amendment, proposed by Tonia Antoniazzi (Labour MP), aims to alleviate trauma faced by prosecuted women.
Doctors acting outside the law may still face prosecution.
Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choices hailed the vote as a landmark.
The reform will expunge records of those convicted.

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Story summary

The House of Lords voted to pardon women convicted of illegal abortions, following the House of Commons' decriminalization decision, with cross-party support.
The amendment, proposed by Tonia Antoniazzi (Labour MP), aims to alleviate trauma faced by prosecuted women.
Doctors acting outside the law may still face prosecution.
Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choices hailed the vote as a landmark.
The reform will expunge records of those convicted.