LEGISLATION removing women from the criminal law related to abortion in England and Wales and pardoning women previously convicted of illegal abortions has received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026.
The landmark change, facilitated by amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, means women will no longer face investigations, criminal charges, or custodial sentences for ending their own pregnancy.
The change does not alter when or how abortions can legally be carried out by healthcare professionals, rather removes the possibility of criminal prosecution for women in relation to their own pregnancies.
Alison Wright, President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK, said: “This is a momentous day.
“Protecting the reproductive freedoms of women and girls is crucial in a society that strives for equality, fairness, and tolerance.
“The College has long campaigned for this, recognising that restrictive laws do not reduce the need for abortion care.
“Instead, they increase inequalities in access, foster an environment of fear and stigmatisation, and put women’s’ lives at risk.
“Today, Parliament has recognised that.”
She reported that the change mirrors the feelings of the public, Parliament, and healthcare professionals.
Pardon for Women Previously Convicted
The legislation also includes a historic pardon for women previously convicted under outdated abortion laws.
Any woman with a previous conviction for ending her own pregnancy will be automatically eligible to have it removed from her criminal record.
Wright continued: “This is about recognising past injustice and ensuring no one carries a criminal record for something that should never have been treated as a crime.”
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists welcomed support for the additional measures seeking to pardon women previously prosecuted.
Zara Haider, President, College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, London, UK, said: “Pardoning women with past convictions takes an important step towards putting right the harm caused by our legal system.
“Women will never again live in fear of a knock on the door or prosecution for accessing essential healthcare – and that is something to be celebrated.”
Featured image: Amparo Garcia on Adobe Stock
