Abortion decriminalisation and statutory rights of conscience

On 13 March 2017, the House of Commons voted by 172 to 142 in favour of a second reading for the Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Bill. The bill, introduced by Diana Johnson MP, would decriminalise abortion until the end of the 24th week of pregnancy, meaning that abortion could be performed until the end of the 24th week of pregnancy without the need to satisfy any statutory grounds, or to obtain two doctors' authorisation. Many campaigners see this bill as a first step toward the longer-term goal of fully decriminalising abortion. [1]