Abortion (Sex-Selection) Bill

A Bill to clarify the law relating to abortion on the basis of sex-selection; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

30 March 2015

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill aims to clarify the law around abortions carried out because of the sex of the fetus. It would set out clearly what is allowed or not when sex-selection is involved and enable related changes to abortion law.

Key Points

Clarifies the law relating to abortion where sex-selection is a factor.
Establishes what conduct is illegal or permitted in sex-selective abortion and related offences.
Allows connected or related changes to support the main aim of the bill.
Has a long parliamentary history, with a first reading in 2014 and currently at the second reading in the Commons.

Progress

The bill originated in the Commons and is currently at the second reading stage; no further stages are listed in the provided information.

Who is affected?

Pregnant women and others seeking abortionsMedical professionals and clinics offering abortion servicesFamilies and partners of pregnant individualsRegulators, policymakers and legal professionals involved in abortion lawAdvocacy groups and charities focused on women’s health and gender equality

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

4 Nov 2014

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Abortion (Sex-Selection)

1 Jan 1970

This Bill had its first reading on 4 November 2014 through the Ten Minute Rule Motion.

The 2014-2015 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.