RCGP responds to the decriminalisation of abortion in England and Wales

Responding to the vote by MPs to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales via an amendment to the crime and policing bill, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“It’s really positive to see MPs vote to make a long overdue change to the law and decriminalise abortion. The RCGP, alongside many others, has been calling for this important change since 2019.

“Many GPs will have been highly concerned to see high profile cases in recent years where women have been investigated or brought to trial for pregnancy terminations, or unexpected and unexplained pregnancy losses, when what they needed most was support through what will likely be an incredibly difficult time.

“No woman should face prosecution under antiquated laws that were created before women were even allowed to vote. This change in the law is a vital piece of protection for the reproductive and health rights of women.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.