UK poised to decriminalize abortions late in pregnancy

Members of the British Parliament on Tuesday are debating two amendments that would prevent criminal prosecutions for women who self-manage an abortion later in pregnancy, after fetal viability, following a surge in medication abortions in the United Kingdom in recent years.

The competing amendments are associated with a broader crime bill working its way through the House of Commons. Both amendments would prevent prosecution against the woman for terminating her pregnancy after 24 weeks of gestation. One would fully decriminalize late-stage abortion for all parties involved.