Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Decriminalise abortion to protect the rights of women seeking abortion

Closed 741 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to reform legislation governing abortion so that no woman can be convicted of a criminal offence for seeking an abortion.

No one should live with the fear of prosecution for accessing vital medical care. There is a clear need for urgent action.
According to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, the leading provider of abortion services in the UK, the number of women facing criminal investigation under UK abortion law is increasing. This means more women are facing lengthy police investigations, and could face a life sentence if convicted of an offence under the Offences Against the Person Act. This causes unnecessary stress and trauma.

Timeline

19 Jun 2023 Petition opened for signatures
19 Dec 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 741
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 19 Jun 2023
Closed 19 Dec 2023

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.