Pardons given to all women convicted of carrying out abortions on themselves

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Pro-abortion demonstrators in London before decriminalisation was voted through last year (Picture: PA) All British women who were convicted of abortion offences relating to their…

All British women who were convicted of abortion offences relating to their own pregnancies have been pardoned, the Ministry of Justice has announced.

The move automatically removes the details of women who were convicted, cautioned, arrested or investigated for acting beyond the legal 24-week limit from criminal records.

It comes after the Crime and Policing Act, which became law earlier this year, decriminalised women who end their own pregnancies – or try to do so – up until full-term.

The 24-week limit still applies to medical professionals and anyone else other than the woman herself, and they can still be convicted of an abortion offence for breaching it.

Leading abortion provider the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) welcomed today’s announcement.

CEO Heidi Stewart said: ‘While no pardon can undo the distress and trauma these women have experienced, this historic change in the law recognises the profound harm caused by their criminalisation and represents a meaningful step towards justice.

‘Today marks an important milestone in ensuring that no woman faces criminal punishment or lifelong stigma because of the circumstances surrounding the end of her pregnancy.’

The pardons will apply automatically, with police forces and courts updating records accordingly.

Alex Davies-Jones, the minister for victims and tackling violence against women and girls, said: ‘For those affected, I know that clear and accessible information about what happens next is vital.

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