MPs are expected to vote on proposed changes to abortion law on June 4.
It has been confirmed by the Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt that the Criminal Justice Bill will return to the chamber. It is currently in the report stage.
Several amendments relating to abortion law have been tabled, including a proposal to remove the threat of prosecution against women who act in relation to their own pregnancy at any stage.
Ministers have faced calls to repeal sections of a 19th-century law in England and Wales after abortion was previously decriminalised in Northern Ireland.
In 2019, the UK Parliament backed moves to repeal sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA) 1861 in Northern Ireland.
The 163-year-old law banning abortion was amended in 1967, legalising abortion with an authorised provider up to 28 weeks, which was later lowered to 24 weeks in 1991.
There are very limited circumstances that allow an abortion after 24 weeks, like when the mother’s life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability.
Conservative MP Caroline Ansell has tabled new clause 15 which would reduce the upper limit for abortion in most cases from 24 to 22 weeks.
Tory former minister Sir Liam Fox has also proposed introducing an upper gestational limit for abortions of foetuses with Down’s syndrome equal to the upper limit for most other abortions.
Time has been set aside for the amendments to be considered during the second day of the Bill’s report stage, with MPs expected to have a free vote on any pushed to a division as they are considered a matter of conscience.
The first day of report stage took place on May 15, with shadow Commons leader Lucy Powell questioning why there was a “delay” before its return.
Conservative MPs have previously warned the Government should not risk criminalising rough sleepers with reforms aimed at ending the practice.
Ms Mordaunt said: “It is quite normal for the Government to talk to people who are proposing amendments before a Bill comes back – it doesn’t mean work isn’t being done on the Bill.
“They are complex issues and of course members will be given good opportunity and oversight of any amendments or changes that are being brought forward.”
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HeadlineMPs expected to vote on abortion law in June
Short HeadlineMPs to vote on abortion law in June
StandfirstCommons Leader Penny Mordaunt has confirmed that the Criminal Justice Bill will return to the chamber.
MPs are expected to vote on proposed changes to abortion law on June 4.
It has been confirmed by the Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt that the Criminal Justice Bill will return to the chamber. It is currently in the report stage.
Several amendments relating to abortion law have been tabled, including a proposal to remove the threat of prosecution against women who act in relation to their own pregnancy at any stage.
Ministers have faced calls to repeal sections of a 19th-century law in England and Wales after abortion was previously decriminalised in Northern Ireland.
In 2019, the UK Parliament backed moves to repeal sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA) 1861 in Northern Ireland.
The 163-year-old law banning abortion was amended in 1967, legalising abortion with an authorised provider up to 28 weeks, which was later lowered to 24 weeks in 1991.
There are very limited circumstances that allow an abortion after 24 weeks, like when the mother’s life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability.
Conservative MP Caroline Ansell has tabled new clause 15 which would reduce the upper limit for abortion in most cases from 24 to 22 weeks.
Tory former minister Sir Liam Fox has also proposed introducing an upper gestational limit for abortions of foetuses with Down’s syndrome equal to the upper limit for most other abortions.
Time has been set aside for the amendments to be considered during the second day of the Bill’s report stage, with MPs expected to have a free vote on any pushed to a division as they are considered a matter of conscience.
The first day of report stage took place on May 15, with shadow Commons leader Lucy Powell questioning why there was a “delay” before its return.
Conservative MPs have previously warned the Government should not risk criminalising rough sleepers with reforms aimed at ending the practice.
Ms Mordaunt said: “It is quite normal for the Government to talk to people who are proposing amendments before a Bill comes back – it doesn’t mean work isn’t being done on the Bill.
“They are complex issues and of course members will be given good opportunity and oversight of any amendments or changes that are being brought forward.”
