Overview

This bill aims to decriminalize consensual abortions in England and Wales up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, while simultaneously criminalizing non-consensual abortions.

Description

The bill removes abortion-related offences from the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. It makes it so that terminating a pregnancy up to 24 weeks is not a crime, provided it is consensual. The bill amends the Abortion Act 1967 to remove outdated provisions and clarifies the circumstances under which abortions are permitted. It introduces a new criminal offence for non-consensual termination of pregnancy, carrying a potential life sentence. This new offence does not apply if the act was performed with the woman's consent or by a registered medical professional in good faith. Consent for the administration of abortion-inducing substances requires the woman to be aware of the substance's nature.

Government Spending

The bill's direct impact on government spending is unclear from the text but could lead to increased costs associated with providing abortion services, particularly if the NHS has a duty to ensure timely access to these services as implied in the proposed amendments.

Groups Affected

• Pregnant women: The bill significantly impacts pregnant women by removing criminal liability for consensual abortions up to 24 weeks, while protecting them against non-consensual abortions.
• Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, and midwives involved in providing abortion services will be affected by changes in legal liability and potentially increased demand.
• Individuals who may commit non-consensual abortions: They face potential life imprisonment under the new legislation.
• Anti-abortion groups: The bill's changes may be met with opposition from groups who hold anti-abortion beliefs.
• National Health Service (NHS): The NHS may face increased demands and costs related to providing abortion services.

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