British lawmakers have voted to decriminalize abortion, removing criminal penalties for women who terminate their own pregnancies at any stage.
The amendment, added to the Crime and Policing Bill, eliminates the risk of investigation, arrest, or prosecution for women seeking abortions. However, penalties remain for medical professionals and violent partners who end pregnancies outside the law.
Under current law, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks in England and Wales, with exceptions beyond that in certain cases. The amendment does not change existing regulations on medical procedures but ensures women are no longer subject to criminal charges.
Polling by Sky News and YouGov found that 55 percent of respondents support decriminalization before 24 weeks, while 22 percent believe women should still face legal consequences for abortions beyond that timeframe.
The amendment will become law following royal assent.