Parliament votes to legalise abortion up to birth

Houses of Parliament

Church leaders and pro-life groups have reacted with grave concern to a vote in the House of Commons passing an amendment on the decriminalisation of abortion during the debate on the Crime and Policing Bill today. The amendment, tabled by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, was approved by MPs by 379 to 137.

The amendment changes the underlying laws on abortion so that "no offence is committed by a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy". Ms Antoniazzi's explanatory statement says that the clause "would disapply existing criminal law related to abortion from women acting in relation to their own pregnancy at any gestation," allowing abortion up to birth.

Alithea Williams from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) said: "We are horrified that MPs have voted for this extreme and barbaric proposal. If this clause becomes law, a woman who aborts her baby at any point in pregnancy, even moments before birth, would not be committing a criminal offence. In fact, by dismissing the Infant Life Preservation Act intended to provide legal protection to a child during birth, a woman who killed her baby during delivery would not be committing an offence.

"Our already liberal Abortion law allows an estimated 300,000 babies a year to be killed. Now, even the very limited protection afforded by the law is being stripped away. And this has been pushed by an abortion lobby cynically exploiting a situation that they brought about. The cases they use of women being prosecuted for abortion - a number in the single digits - came about because of a policy they championed - sending women abortion pills in the post without in person appointments.

"This change has been made after only a few hours debate, with little notice. It was not in the Government's manifesto, and it certainly doesn't reflect public opinion. Recent polling found that 62% of the public agree that 'Having an illegal abortion should continue to be a criminal offence to protect both the unborn and vulnerable women who could be coerced into losing a baby they may have wanted, for example by an abusive partner'. Only 5% support extending the abortion limit up to birth. We call on the Lords to throw this undemocratic, barbaric proposal out when it reaches them. We will never accept a law that puts women in danger and removes all rights from unborn babies."

Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales said: "Today, Parliament passed an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, that effectively decriminalises abortion in England and Wales. We are deeply alarmed by this decision. Our alarm arises from our compassion for both mothers and unborn babies.

"New Clause 1 lifts any criminal liability for women performing their abortions for any reason, at any time, including up to and during birth. This decision significantly reduces the protection of unborn lives and will result in grave harm for pregnant women. Women will be even more vulnerable to manipulation, coerced and forced abortions. This legal change will also discourage medical consultation and make the use of abortion pills for dangerous late-term, at-home abortions more likely.

"Abortion is often chosen because of the personal challenges that a woman faces, as well as the lack of proper suitable guidance and support. The enacting of New Clause 1 will result in women being more alone, vulnerable, and isolated.

"However, we cannot lose hope. The Church keeps working tirelessly to protect the dignity of every life. We will not abandon pregnant women and their unborn children in their most vulnerable moment. I thank all those within and outside the Church who share this commitment and continue to serve parents in need and their babies.

"Let us continue to pray and commend the lives of these women, children, their families, and all who support them to the maternal intercession of Our Lady, Mother of God."