UK MPs Debate Decriminalisation of Abortion Amid Labour Split

This week in the UK House of Commons, a significant debate is underway regarding the decriminalisation of abortion, with two competing amendments tabled by Labour MPs Tonia Antoniazzi and Stella Creasy. Antoniazzi's amendment proposes allowing abortion for any reason up to birth while retaining criminal sanctions for late-term or sex-selective abortions, whereas Creasy advocates for full decriminalisation in all circumstances. Recent polling indicates very limited public support for extending abortion to birth, with only 3% of women and Labour voters favoring such a measure, and it is ranked lowest among public priorities. The political support also appears to be shifting away from Creasy, with numerous left-leaning MPs withdrawing their backing in favor of Antoniazzi’s proposal. The debate is part of a broader push to update the UK's abortion laws, which are based on legislation dating back to 1861, and aims to address concerns about prosecutions of women under current law. The Prime Minister's office has stated the issue is a matter of conscience, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding abortion access and legal frameworks.