Yesterday, after just 46 minutes of backbench contributions and the fastest speech by a government Minister I have ever heard, Parliament voted to decriminalise abortion.
Whilst many may welcome this move, making changes to such significant legislation in this way is not how we should be doing it. There are many unintended consequences that will occur from this change in the law and we needed time to fully scrutinise the proposals. I voted against this measure.
I also supported new clause 106 which would bring back the safeguard of an in-person appointment before abortion pills could be provided for home abortions. Terminating a pregnancy after 10 weeks by pills at home has significant health risks to the woman. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic the need to see a doctor was removed as an emergency measure. This was made permanent in 2022 by just 27 votes in Parliament. Ambulance service callouts relating to abortion in the South West increased by 124% as a result (from 33 in 2019 to 74 in 2020). Two thirds of women support a return to in-person appointments. However, unfortunately this amendment was not successful.
These defining changes to our abortion laws were rushed through Parliament as amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill on a Tuesday evening and with just 2 hours of Parliamentary time. Whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, this is no way to make legislation. I am deeply concerned about the impact that this will have on the most vulnerable women in our society and unborn babies.
Read my full speech here
