Kate Lancaster: Women Will No Longer Face Criminal Investigation or Prosecution
Kate Lancaster, CEO at Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Today marks a landmark moment for women’s health and rights in England and Wales! The House of Lords has voted to remove women from the criminal law related to abortion. This is a significant and long-overdue step forward.
Women will no longer face criminal investigation or prosecution for ending their own pregnancy. For too long, women have faced the possibility of police investigation, prosecution and even imprisonment for ending their own pregnancy – often at times of acute vulnerability.
This decision helps ensure that women are treated with compassion and dignity, and can access the care they need without fear of criminalisation. This progress reflects years of advocacy from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and more than 50 organisations across the medical, legal and public health sectors, as well as strong public support for safe, confidential abortion care. I am truly proud of the role the College has played in getting this over the line.
We also welcome the Lords’ support for measures to pardon and expunge the criminal records of women previously prosecuted under outdated legislation. This is an important recognition of past injustice. As the Bill returns to the House of Commons, it is vital that MPs protect this additional change.
Read our full statement.
The RCOG began this work in 2017 and particular thanks go to Jonathan Lord, Zoe Russell, Jenny Priest, Francesca McNeil, Dame Lesley Regan and the RCOG team. Alison Wright.”
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