Foetal Sentience Committee Bill [HL]

A Bill to make provision for a Foetal Sentience Committee to review current understanding of the sentience of the human foetus and to inform policy-making; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

29 May 2024

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would set up a Foetal Sentience Committee to review what is known about foetal sentience and use that evidence to inform government policy. It also includes provisions for related purposes tied to the committee’s work.

Key Points

Creates a Foetal Sentience Committee.
The committee reviews current scientific understanding of foetal sentience.
Its findings are intended to inform government policy-making.
Contains provisions for related or connected purposes related to the committee’s work.
Includes information on how the committee would operate and report (where applicable).

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the Lords and originated there; it has not yet moved to the Commons.

Who is affected?

Pregnant people and their familiesHealthcare professionals and maternity care providersMedical researchers and scientists in prenatal medicine and ethicsPolicy makers and government departments (health, science, and ethics)Public health organisations, charities and campaign groups involved in maternal and child health

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Foetal Sentience Committee Bill - news

24 May 2024

The 2023-24 session of Parliament has prorogued and this bill will make no further progress.

Documents (4)

HL Bill 15(a) Amendments for Committee

Amendment PaperLords

3 May 2024

Foetal Sentience Committee Bill [HL]: HL Bill 15

Briefing papersLords

18 Mar 2024

Third Report of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee

Select Committee reportLords

15 Dec 2023

HL Bill 15 (as introduced)

BillLords

27 Nov 2023

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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