A Bill to decriminalise the consensual termination of a pregnancy which has not exceeded its twenty-fourth week and in other prescribed circumstances; and to create a criminal offence for non-consensual termination of pregnancy
House of Lords
5 May 2021
This bill would decriminalise consensual abortion up to 24 weeks and in other circumstances to be defined later, while creating a new offence for non-consensual termination of pregnancy. It is a Lords bill and is currently at the second reading stage, starting its passage through Parliament.
The bill is in the early stages of passage in the Lords, at the second reading. If it progresses, it would move through further Lords stages and, if approved, to the House of Commons for consideration.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 15 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
