Great Britain: Parliament wants to legalize abortion

The British Parliament has introduced a legislative amendment to decriminalize abortion. Members of Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of an amendment to a package of laws. This will finally change the almost 150-year-old principle, decided by men, that abortion is always a criminal offense in England and Wales. A similar proposal failed in Germany.

Currently, abortions up to the 24th week of pregnancy are possible and permitted in England and Wales. However, these are considered exceptions that should not be prosecuted. Later abortions are only possible under special circumstances, such as when the mother's life is at risk. The old law allows for life imprisonment for abortions.

The amendment eliminates the risk of investigations, arrests, prosecution, or imprisonment of the women affected, said MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who introduced the amendment. The overall legislative package has not yet been passed, but this is considered a formality due to the large majority of the governing Labour Party.

The 24-week limit will remain in place, as will the requirement to obtain consent from two doctors. Medical personnel who violate the law, or partners who attempt to terminate a pregnancy, can still be prosecuted.

Similar to current legislation in England and Wales , Section 218 of the German Criminal Code stipulates that abortions are generally illegal . Exceptions make abortions exempt from punishment within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy if the woman has sought prior counseling. Abortions are also possible without criminal prosecution if certain medical reasons exist or after rape.

A change is not foreseeable at the moment. Before the federal election in February, the SPD and the Greens advocated for this, but failed to secure the necessary majority in the Bundestag. A draft bill, approved by more than 300 members of parliament, proposed regulating abortions up to the 12th week after conception outside the penal code.