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House of Lords Rejects Abortion Decriminalization Clause

3/24/2026

41 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On March 18, 2026, the House of Lords voted against removing a clause in the Crime and Policing Bill that would decriminalize seeking an abortion outside existing parameters.
The current law allows abortions under specific conditions before 24 weeks.
The proposed Crime and Policing Bill does not legalize full-term abortions at any stage.
If passed, the bill would shield individuals from prosecution while doctors would still face legal risks.

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Story summary

On March 18, 2026, the House of Lords voted against removing a clause in the Crime and Policing Bill that would decriminalize seeking an abortion outside existing parameters.
The current law allows abortions under specific conditions before 24 weeks.
The proposed Crime and Policing Bill does not legalize full-term abortions at any stage.
If passed, the bill would shield individuals from prosecution while doctors would still face legal risks.