Summary
The House of Lords in the UK supported a plan to decriminalize abortion, which was initially approved by MPs the previous year. The proposal aims to stop police investigations into abortions under a law from 1861. Despite opposition from some peers and religious leaders, the majority voted in favor of decriminalization.
Key Facts
- The House of Lords voted to support plans to decriminalize abortions, following approval by MPs.
- The decriminalization aims to stop the use of an old law from 1861 to prosecute women.
- Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi introduced the amendment to a crime bill last year.
- More than 100 prosecutions have occurred under the old law in recent years.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury and some peers opposed the change, citing risks to existing safeguards.
- An amendment to require in-person consultations before prescribing abortion medication was rejected.
- Current rules allow women to have abortions at home after a phone or video consultation if less than 10 weeks pregnant.
- The policy allowing home abortions became permanent in 2022.
