Abortion in the UK: A Legal Right or Moral Wrong?

Abortion – perhaps one of the most polarising topics of our time – evokes passionate arguments on both ends of the ideological spectrum. It touches not only law and medicine, but also on ethics, religion, autonomy and identity. In the UK, abortion has been legal under specific conditions since the 1967 Abortion Act, yet the debate rages on, reigniting questions about morality, bodily rights and the boundaries of choice.

While many champion its legality as a triumph for women's rights, others decry it as a moral failing. In this blog, I will explore both sides of the debate, unpack the statistics behind abortion in the UK and ultimately explain why I believe legal abortion is essential for a just and humane society.

The Legal Status of Abortion in the UK

Historically, abortion laws in the UK have been some of the most progressive in the world, but they have also been evolving. The Abortion Act 1967 legalised abortion in England, Scotland and Wales under certain conditions – primarily up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with some expectations beyond that periods for serious risks to the mother's health or fetal abnormalities.

However, abortion remained a criminal offence under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, with the Abortion Act acting as a specific legal exemption. This outdated framework led to confusion and stigma, treating abortion as a crime unless it met a strict criteria.

New Decriminalisation in the UK

In 2023, a significant step was taken towards decriminalising abortion in England and Wales – removing abortion from the criminal law and treating it as a healthcare issue rather than a criminal act. This reform was championed as a way to reduce stigma, ensure better access to safe services and align abortion with other medical procedures. On 17^th June 2025, MP's voted to change abortion legalisation to stop women in England and Wales being prosecuted for ending their pregnancy. The Antoniazzi Amendment ensures women who terminate their pregnancy outside the rules (i.e.: 24 weeks) will no longer be at risk of being investigated by police. RCOF President Prof Ranee Thakar celebrated the victory, calling it, “a landmark moment for women's rights in this country...” adding “This sends a powerful signal that women's right and autonomy matter.”

With this being said, The Amendment must still pass through both the Commons and the Lords before it can become law. Meaning, the law will still penalise anyone who assists a woman, including medical professionals, in getting an abortion outside of the current legal frameworks.

Scotland has also seen moves toward similar reforms, while Northern Ireland maintains more restrictive laws, although there has been progress there too.

Argument for Abortion as a Legal Right

Bodily Autonomy and Women's Rights - At the core of the pro-choice argument is the principle of bodily autonomy: every individual has the right to make decisions about their own body. For many women, carrying a pregnancy to term is not just a medical issue but a profound life decision affecting their health, mental wellbeing, economic status and future opportunities. A 2022 study by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) found that the majority of women seeking abortions in the UK cited reasons related to financial instability, not feeling ready to have a child or health concerns. Denying abortion access forces women to endure pregnancies they are unprepared for or do not want, infringing on their fundamental rights.

Public Health and Safety – Legal and accessible abortion services significantly reduce the risks associated with unsafe, illegal abortions. Before legalisation, women often resorted to dangerous methods, leading to complications and even death. Statistics from the World Health Organisation show that in countries were abortion is illegal or highly restricted, unsafe abortions account for approximately 13% of maternal deaths worldwide. In contrast, the UK's legal framework has ensured safer outcomes – with 98% of abortions carried out in NHS clinics or regulated facilities.

Socioeconomic and Equality Considerations – Women from marginalised backgrounds are disproportionately affected by restrictive abortion laws. Those with financial means can often travel abroad or access private clinics, while poorer women face insurmountable barriers. Legal abortion supports gender equality by allowing women to control their reproductive lives, which impacts their education, career and social participation. A study published by the Lancet in 2023 linked abortion access with improvements in women's long-term socioeconomic outcomes.

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Carrying an unwanted pregnancy can cause severe emotional distress, anxiety and depression. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCB+OG) acknowledges that forced pregnancy can have significant adverse mental health effects. Conversely, access to abortion can alleviate such distress and enable women to make choices in line with their circumstances.

Arguments Against Abortion: A Moral Wrong

The Right to Life of the Unborn – Opponents argue that abortion ends the life of an unborn child, who they consider a human being with moral rights. They contend that life begins at conception and thus, abortion is equivalent to taking a human life. Groups like the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) emphasises the fetus's potentiality and argue that society has a duty to protect the most vulnerable, including unborn babies.

Ethical and Religious Beliefs – Many anti-abortion arguments are rooted in religious or ethical convictions that value the sanctity of life above all else. Various faiths, including many Christian denominations, teach that abortion is morally unacceptable regardless of the circumstances. For adherents, legalising abortion encourages a culture of disregard for life and promotes what they see as a slippery slope toward devaluing human dignity.

Alternative Solutions and Support – Opponents also advocate for alternatives such as adoption or increased social support for pregnant women, suggesting that society should focus on helping women carry pregnancies to term rather than ending them. They point to initiatives that provide financial assistance, counselling and parenting support as better ways to address the challenges women face, thereby protecting unborn life without infringing on women's rights.

Concerns About Abortion on Demand – Some critics worry that legal abortion can be used frivolously or as a form of contraception, leading to ethical concerns about the value placed on fetal life. They argue for stricter limits and safeguards to prevent what they see as “convenience abortions.”

Key Statistics on Abortion in the UK

• In 2022, there were approximately 210,860 abortions recorded in England and Wales, the highest number since records began in 1968.

• Over 825 of abortions occurred before 10 weeks gestation, indicating most women seek early termination.

• The majority of abortions are for women aged 20-34, reflecting the demographic most likely to be balancing family planning and career.

• About 96% of abortions are carried out for social reasons (such as financial, relationship or personal circumstances), with only a small percentage due to fetal anomalies or risks to the mother's health.

• Public opinion polls show around 70% of the UK population supports abortion being legal in most or all cases.

Final Thoughts: Why I Support Abortion Rights

After examining the arguments on both sides, I firmly believe abortion must remain a legal right – a fundamental aspect of women's healthcare and bodily autonomy.

Women should have the power to make deeply personal decisions about their own bodies. Pregnancy is not merely a biological event; it's a life-altering experience with profound physical, emotional and socioeconomic consequences. Forcing someone to continue an unwanted pregnancy strips them of agency and autonomy. The new decriminalisation of abortion in the UK is a crucial step forward; by treating abortion as healthcare rather than a crime, the UK acknowledges that women deserve compassion, dignity and respect in their reproductive choices.

The data is clear legal abortion saves lives, promotes equality and protects mental health While respect for differing moral views is important, no belief should override a woman's right to decide what happens to her body. Ultimately, supporting abortion rights is about trusting women to make their own INFORMED choices, RESPECTING their experiences and AFFIRMING THEIR HUMANITY.

References

BBC News – MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2le12114j9o

BPAS 2022 Study - https://www.bpas.org/media/sbhh4w1o/the-cost-of-living-factor.pdf

GOV.UK – Abortion Statistics, England and Wales: 2021 - https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/abortion-statistics-for-england-and-wales-2021/abortion-statistics-england-and-wales-2021

International Journal of Gynecology and Obstretrics – The influence or abortion legislation on maternal morality - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020729298001945#:~:text=rights%20and%20content-,Abstract,abortion%20is%20available%20on%20request.

The Lancet – Transforming Women's Health, Empowerment and Gender Equality with Digital Health: Evidence-based Policy and Practice - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(25)00022-6/fulltext