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politics1d ago
MPs and peers approve law to pardon women convicted of illegal abortions
- Parliament approved an amendment to pardon women convicted over illegal abortions dating back to the 1800s.
- Automatic pardons will apply and police records will be expunged for those arrested or investigated.
- The Lords-Commons phase, described as ping-pong, will lead to royal assent in the coming weeks.
- The measure will end prosecutions of women who terminate their own pregnancies once law changes take effect.
- Affected women include historical cases like Fanny Warboys from 1862.
- The bill also seeks to expunge police records of those arrested or investigated for illegal abortions.
- The amendment targets England and Wales as it becomes law in the near term.
- Labour backbencher Tonia Antoniazzi helped introduce the clause benefiting affected women.
- CPS and police authorities were consulted for comment on the changes.
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