It's official: No woman in England or Wales can be prosecuted for an abortion any more

[In It to Win It]

After years of campaigning, England and Wales have officially decriminalised abortion for women in a “landmark moment” as part of proposed changes to the Crime and Policing Bill.

The government has now formally done away with the ancient Offences Against the Person Act from 1861 and the Infant Life (Preservation) Act of 1929, both of which saw women and girls open to arrest, investigation or prosecution in relation to procuring an abortion for themselves. Recent years have seen a worrying increase in criminal cases, after minimal incidences for decades, as more anti-abortion groups receive funding in the UK.

Women and girls who have been previously convicted or jailed in relation to an abortion outside of the legal framework will receive a pardon (although this won’t happen immediately; the government will be required to enact this in future and it is expected to take place over the next year).

The change sees English and Welsh law more closely resemble legislation seen in Canada, Denmark, Sweden, France and New Zealand and will keep the existing legal framework intact – meaning doctors or abusive partners acting unlawfully could still face consequences. The British Medical Association said the change was “long overdue” when MPs initially voted in favour to decriminalise abortion last June.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a71163004/england-wales-decriminalise-abortion/

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. They are way more enlightened than we are. And good for them! ...n/t

[Biophilic]

2. Good for them.

It’s hard to believe the ‘stodgy’ old English are way more enlightened than we are. But than we seem to be retreating back to the Stone Age.