Medical Leaders Call for Urgent Reform of Victorian Abortion Laws in England and Wales

Medical leaders have made an urgent appeal for reforming the abortion laws in England and Wales, characterizing the prosecution of women for terminating pregnancies as "trauma and cruelty." More than 30 organizations, such as the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), have come together to call for the decriminalization of abortion and a reform of outdated Victorian-era laws.

The Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, which makes abortion a criminal act, continues to be in force even though the 1967 Abortion Act provided certain limited exemptions. Over the past two years, six women have been brought to court under this law, marking a significant rise compared to previous cases. Life imprisonment can be the consequence of abortions performed after 24 weeks or without the consent of two doctors.

Dr. Ranee Thakar, president of the RCOG, highlighted the importance of public backing for decriminalization, asserting, "No woman should face the threat of jail or the distress of prosecution for ending a pregnancy." Additional medical leaders joined in the appeal, cautioning that criminalization discourages women from pursuing safe healthcare and continues to inflict unnecessary suffering.

A coalition of healthcare groups representing 800,000 professionals is calling on Parliament to stop prosecutions and update abortion regulations. It is suggested that reforms may be incorporated into the forthcoming crime and policing bill or tackled through new legislation.

Advocates argue that decriminalisation would bring England and Wales in line with nations such as Canada, France, and Australia, where abortion is regarded as a matter of healthcare. This movement arises during a time of worldwide reductions in abortion rights, with increasing demands on UK lawmakers to safeguard reproductive freedoms.

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