MPs Move to Pardon Women Convicted of Illegal Abortions

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom have supported a significant amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, aimed at pardoning women convicted of illegal abortions and expunging their criminal records. This amendment, which received approval from the House of Commons, follows a landmark vote in June 2022 that decriminalized the act of women terminating their own pregnancies. Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who spearheaded the decriminalization amendment, emphasized that this new change is intended to protect women adversely affected by outdated abortion laws.

The Independent

Antoniazzi stated, “Current law means that abortion offences are classed as serious and violent crimes... This actively harms her job prospects, ability to travel to certain jurisdictions, and leaves her with a permanent record.” She highlighted that many women subjected to criminal investigations under these laws are often vulnerable individuals, victims of abuse and exploitation.

The Independent

The amendment has garnered support from various MPs, including Labour MP Catherine Fookes, who shared the story of a young woman named Becca, investigated after giving birth prematurely. Fookes argued that removing such investigations from records would significantly improve the lives of those affected.

The Independent

However, there are dissenting voices regarding the amendment. Sir Edward Leigh, the Father of the House, expressed concerns about granting “free pardons” to women who procure late-term abortions. He referenced the case of Sarah Catt, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for terminating her pregnancy shortly before her due date, a sentence later reduced to three-and-a-half years on appeal. Leigh argued that the seriousness of Catt's actions was significant, stating, “the judge in Catt’s case said the seriousness of her crime lay between manslaughter and murder.”

The Independent

Home Office minister Sarah Jones indicated that the Government remains neutral on the abortion-related amendments but stressed the importance of ensuring that the law is “operationally and legally workable.” Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers echoed Leigh's concerns, suggesting that the amendment was “slipped” into the Bill without adequate scrutiny, raising questions about the legislative process.

The Independent

While the amendment to pardon women convicted of illegal abortions was passed without division, the debate surrounding the implications of this change continues. Critics like Leigh and Vickers highlight potential risks associated with pardoning those involved in late-term abortions, suggesting that the amendment may not have been thoroughly examined before its inclusion in the Bill.

The Independent

• “As a result of these amendments, somebody who procures a very late term abortion illegally will receive a free pardon.” — Sir Edward Leigh, Father of the House

The Independent

• “the way that it was added into this Bill” — Matt Vickers, Shadow Home Office minister

The Independent

The recent legislative changes reflect a significant shift in the UK’s approach to abortion laws, aiming to alleviate the burdens faced by women previously convicted under outdated statutes while igniting a broader discussion on the implications of such amendments.

The Independent