Many people are not aware that abortion in the UK is still a criminal act.
Whilst the 1967 Abortion Act permits abortion in England, Scotland and Wales
under certain conditions*, across the whole UK the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA) still criminalises a woman having an abortion and a person providing it. Recently women in Northern Ireland have been criminally charged as a result of taking or procuring abortion pills.
The Royal College of Midwives released a statement in May 2016 to say that "The continued criminalisation of abortion in the UK may drive women to access abortion services which are neither safe nor legal, and which may prove harmful or even fatal. Accordingly, the RCM supports the campaign to remove abortion from criminal law."
"The RCM believes that if we are to be advocates for women then we must advocate for choice on all aspects of their care. This is not about being for or against abortion; it is about being for women and respecting their choices about their bodies."
The RCM have since come under significant attack in the media and from politicians for their position that shows they
Trust Women.
Please sign this petition now to show that you stand by the Royal College of Midwives and support full decriminalisation of abortion in the UK.*Under the terms of the 1967 Act, an abortion must be carried out no later than the twenty-fourth week of the pregnancy and must be: • performed by a doctor • authorised by two doctors • done in good faith • carried out in a hospital or other approved place.
Read the RCM statement on abortion here.If you need an abortion in Northern Ireland click here. 