In a deeply controversial move that has stunned many across the country, Labour MPs have tonight used their sweeping majority in Parliament to vote through a radical amendment that will decriminalise abortion up to birth — a seismic shift in British law that passed after less than two hours of debate.
The amendment, tabled by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, was passed by 379 votes to 137 and is now part of the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill. It marks the most significant overhaul of abortion law in almost 60 years and, critics argue, the most reckless.
Despite being labelled by its supporters as a “narrow, targeted measure,” the so-called “New Clause One” (NC1) effectively removes all criminal sanctions for women who end their own pregnancies at any stage — including right up to birth.
Campaigners, including Right to Life UK, have condemned the result as “a sad day for our country that will put women and unborn babies at risk.” The group vowed to challenge the amendment “at every stage in the Lords.”
Push from Labour, Silence from Starmer
Although Labour leader Keir Starmer was absent — currently attending the G7 summit in Canada — the overwhelming support for the measure came from Labour benches, aided by the Liberal Democrats. Just eight Conservative MPs supported it, with all Reform UK MPs voting against — except Nigel Farage, who abstained.
Tonia Antoniazzi defended her amendment by citing the case of Nicola Packer, who was prosecuted on suspicion of having an illegal abortion but acquitted in May. “This piece of legislation will only take women out of the criminal justice system because they are vulnerable and they need our help,” she told MPs.
Yet despite her assurances that “the 24-week limit remains,” critics were quick to point out that her amendment removes criminal penalties for any abortion self-administered at any point in pregnancy — meaning terminations up to birth will no longer be considered illegal if carried out by the woman herself.
Public Outcry and Dangerous Precedent
Polling shows that this law change does not reflect public opinion. An overwhelming 89% of the public — and 91% of women — believe gender-selective abortion should be explicitly outlawed, and just 1% support legal abortion up to birth.
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh, who voted against the amendment, warned: “This is not pro-woman. This opens the door to sex-selective abortion and removes safeguards designed to protect the most vulnerable.”
Medical experts have expressed serious concerns about the implications of decriminalising self-managed abortions at late stages. Without proper gestational checks or medical oversight, this law may lead to more women performing dangerous late-term abortions at home, with potentially fatal consequences.
There are also fears that the amendment is designed to cover up the failings of the “pills by post” scheme, which has already been linked to safety concerns after in-person medical consultations were scrapped during the pandemic.
“Reinstating in-person appointments should be a priority,” said one health advocate. “It is the only way to ensure the woman’s safety and accurate gestational dating — safeguards which are now under threat.”
No Consultation, No Debate
In a move that has outraged many, this drastic change was introduced with minimal parliamentary scrutiny and no public consultation. With barely two hours of debate, MPs ushered in a law that could redefine reproductive rights for generations — without listening to the voices of the very public they claim to represent.
Even among supporters of abortion rights, there is disquiet over the speed and scope of the amendment. Stella Creasy’s more expansive proposal — aiming to codify abortion rights in law — was ultimately shelved after Antoniazzi’s passed.
The amendment has not yet come into force and must still pass through the House of Lords. But with the Commons vote now concluded, campaigners fear the momentum is already behind this extreme and dangerous shift.
For now, Britain is left grappling with the implications of a vote that — for many — signals a profound departure from long-standing legal, medical and moral safeguards. A vote pushed through not by public demand, but by Labour’s unflinching ideological drive.
I hope they all go to hell in a handcart. Every last one, regardless of party, who voted for this atrocity. NAZISM! Also apparently Farage did not turn up to vote. What’s all that about? ALL MPs should be made to vote on everything even if they have to vote remotely and electronically.