The UK’s House of Lords voted by 185 to 148 to remove criminal sanctions [1] when a woman induces her own abortion at any stage of pregnancy, for any reason.
The controversial change [2] had passed the House of Commons in June last year after just 46 minutes of debate, but was opposed by a wide swath of society, including major newspapers such as The Times of London [3].
Another amendment that would have reinstated in-person consultations prior to prescribing drugs for an at-home abortion, was rejected by Peers who voted by 191 to 119 against it.
The double blow was met with dismay by pro-life groups.
Catholic Archbishop John Sherrington said the move is “likely to lead to more late-term abortions [4] putting pregnant women and their babies at risk”.
He added: “Many women could likely also face even greater risks of isolation, coercion, and pressure”.