As the House of Lords prepares to debate pivotal amendments to the crime and policing bill, campaigners are urging that women previously criminalised under outdated abortion legislation must not be forgotten. The proposed changes aim to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales and include provisions to pardon women who have faced legal consequences for seeking terminations outside the existing framework.
A Call for Change
Last summer, the House of Commons took a significant step, voting in favour of amendments that would end the criminalisation of women terminating their pregnancies. The House of Lords is set to discuss its own amendments, which include halting ongoing police investigations into suspected illegal abortions and granting pardons to those already convicted under these archaic laws.
Elizabeth Barker, a Liberal Democrat peer advocating for one of the amendments, expressed her deep concern for the women affected. “The system has treated these women and girls at their most vulnerable with a cruelty that needs to be addressed,” she stated. Barker highlighted the lifelong consequences of such convictions, noting that they severely hinder employment opportunities and even complicate routine tasks like renewing car insurance.
Personal Stories of Trauma
The plight of women affected by these laws is brought to life through harrowing individual accounts. Becca, a 19-year-old from northern England, found herself in an unfathomable situation when she discovered she was six months pregnant after seeking an abortion. Having received abortion pills from a clinic, Becca was shocked to learn of her advanced pregnancy during a hospital visit.
Her unexpected journey took a darker turn when, following the birth of her son Harry, police arrived at her home. “They told me I was under arrest for attempted child destruction,” Becca recounted, her disbelief palpable. Despite being cooperative and honest throughout the process, she faced intense scrutiny from authorities who questioned her motivations and actions.
The trauma did not end with her arrest; Becca and her partner were subjected to months of investigations, during which they were denied unsupervised contact with their newborn. The emotional toll of this experience continues to haunt Becca, who now grapples with the implications of her arrest on her future aspirations. “If I were to look for a new job, I don’t want to have to relive such a traumatic event,” she lamented.
Legislative Progress and Ongoing Advocacy
The upcoming debate in the House of Lords is seen as a critical juncture, not just for women currently facing criminalisation but also for those who have been impacted in the past. Nikki Packer, who was cleared of carrying out an illegal abortion last year, voiced her concerns about the lasting effects of the legal system on women’s lives. “The police investigation and trial were by far the worst part,” she recalled, emphasising the need for legislative reform that reflects contemporary values.
Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, echoed these sentiments, urging peers to support amendments that would not only decriminalise abortion but also address the harm inflicted on those previously prosecuted. “Women who have faced investigation or conviction should not have to continue living with the consequences of this archaic legislation,” she asserted.
Heidi Stewart, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, added weight to the call for justice, stating, “Pardoning these women and expunging the records of investigations would recognise the profound injustice of criminalising abortion in the first place.”
Why it Matters
The debate in the House of Lords represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights in the UK. As society evolves, so too must the laws that govern it. Pushing for the decriminalisation of abortion not only seeks to protect women from unjust legal repercussions but also acknowledges the profound injustices faced by those previously affected by these outdated laws. The outcome of this debate will have lasting implications on the lives of countless women, shaping the future of reproductive rights and societal attitudes towards women’s autonomy in healthcare decisions.
