Decriminalising Abortion Is a Necessary Act of Modern Governance
CPVAWG Statement on Amendment NC17 – June 2025
The criminalisation of abortion under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929 remains one of the most enduring legal contradictions in modern Britain: reproductive healthcare treated as a criminal matter.
CPVAWG strongly supports Amendment NC17, brought forward by Stella Creasy MP, which seeks to repeal these archaic laws and protect abortion access through a human rights–based legal framework. The amendment would place a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to uphold access to abortion services and explicitly restrict future governments from rolling back those rights via secondary legislation.
This is not merely a matter of legislative reform - it is a test of political seriousness about bodily autonomy, gender equality, and state accountability.
Criminalising abortion, even under the guise of obsolete statutes, creates a chilling effect. Women and pregnant people continue to face the threat of criminal prosecution for health decisions that should never be subject to police discretion or judicial interpretation. The fear of legal consequence disproportionately impacts marginalised communities, migrants, and those already facing healthcare barriers.
At a time when reproductive rights are being eroded globally, the UK must not remain governed by legal relics from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The repeal of these laws is long overdue. It is not only consistent with our obligations under international instruments such as the CEDAW Convention and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - it is a moral and democratic imperative.
“You cannot claim to support women’s safety and dignity while allowing reproductive healthcare to be governed by criminal law. Autonomy must be safeguarded by statute - not policed.”
Farah Benis, Founder, CPVAWG
We urge Members of Parliament to support NC17 and treat this amendment for what it is: a foundational measure to align domestic law with human rights, public health, and ethical governance.
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