Abortion (Foetus Protection) Bill [HL]

A Bill to lower the gestational time limit for abortion to 12 weeks

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

9 October 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Lords-originating bill would lower the legal gestational time limit for most abortions to 12 weeks. It is currently being debated in the House of Lords at the second reading, with further parliamentary steps expected if it progresses.

Key Points

Lower the abortion limit to 12 weeks for the majority of cases.
Introduced in the House of Lords and currently at the second reading.
Defines when abortion is legally permitted within the new limit; any exceptions would be specified in the bill.
If passed, the bill would then move to the House of Commons and go through committee, report, and third readings before receiving Royal Assent.

Progress

At the second reading in the Lords now; if it progresses, it will go to committee stage, then report and third readings in the Lords, before moving to the Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

Pregnant people seeking abortionHealthcare professionals and clinics providing abortion servicesNHS and private providers of abortion carePartners and families affected by pregnancy decisions

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Abortion (Foetus Protection)

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 5 July. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

The 2017-2019 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 36 (as introduced)

BillLords

5 Jul 2017

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Abortion (Foetus Protection) Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics