Overview

This bill aims to reform abortion laws in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Key changes include removing criminal liability for abortions performed with consent up to 24 weeks, creating new offenses for abortions after 24 weeks and non-consensual abortions, and altering the rules around conscientious objection for healthcare professionals.

Description

The bill makes several significant amendments to existing abortion legislation:

• Consensual Abortion: Removes criminal liability for abortions performed with the woman's consent up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. This replaces existing legislation.
• Late-Term Abortion: Creates a new offense for performing an abortion after 24 weeks, with a potential life sentence for conviction. A defense is available for doctors who believed in good faith the pregnancy was under 24 weeks.
• Non-Consensual Abortion: Creates a new offense for non-consensual abortion, punishable by a life sentence. Exceptions are made for actions taken with the woman's consent, or by healthcare professionals acting in good faith.
• Conscientious Objection: Repeals and replaces sections of the 1967 Abortion Act related to conscientious objection. Healthcare professionals retain the right to refuse to participate in abortions based on conscience, but this right is balanced with a duty to ensure timely access to abortion services.
• Repeal of Offences: Repeals sections 59 and 60 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, related to procuring abortion and concealing birth.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. However, the changes to abortion access may indirectly impact NHS spending on abortion services and related support, though the overall financial impact is not specified within the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Pregnant women: The bill could affect their access to abortion services, potentially increasing or decreasing access depending on their circumstances and location.
• Healthcare professionals: The changes to conscientious objection clauses will impact how healthcare professionals can practice, potentially influencing their involvement in abortion procedures.
• Anti-abortion groups: The bill's changes may be opposed by these groups, potentially leading to advocacy and legal challenges.
• Pro-choice groups: This bill may be supported by these groups, and could lead to increased advocacy and campaigning surrounding its implementation and future impact.

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