Project that vetoes the possibility of arrest for women who interrupt pregnancy after the 24th week of gestation goes to the Chamber of Lordes
The Chamber of the Common – Equivalent to the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil – the United Kingdom approved this Thursday (17.jun.2025) one. The measure was approved by 379 favorable votes and 137 opposites.
The procedure has already been legalized in the 2 countries since 1967, if performed until the 28th week of gestation and approved by 2 doctors who should assess whether the continuity of pregnancy provides risks to women’s physical and mental health. The limit was reduced in 1990 to 24 weeks, a deadline that currently remains.
A law of 1861, however, criminalized abortion if some of the rules were not fulfilled, which allowed the woman to be processed and arrested.
The legislation of this 3rd (17.Jun) does not impose punishments on women, but maintains processes and arrests against doctors that disregard the requirements of the 1967 law. In practice, this maintenance is the only impediment for abortion to be fully released, as the health professional will not perform the procedure for wanting to avoid restrictions.
The project now goes to the Lordes Chamber – which has limited powers of change, as the members are not elected. If you pass your high house, the measure comes into force only in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have independent legislation on the subject.
In the United Kingdom Parliament, a bill needs to go through some steps to pass. The deputy must present the proposal formally in a 1st reading, at this stage there is no debate or vote.
The 2nd reading, as held this Thursday (17.jun), is the period of debate in which the members of the Common Chamber decide to follow with the proposal. There is still a 3rd reading if the legislators propose amendments. If there are no additions, the project goes to vote already in the 2nd reading.
The parliamentarian (Labor Party, Center left)-who proposed decriminalization-said several women have been investigated in recent years on suspicion of abortion. “This is not justice, it is cruelty and needs to end. […] These women need care and support, not criminalization ”he said in his speech in the House.
