Abortion was decriminalised in the United Kingdom on 13 March. This heralds a “symbolic” change that “will not affect the number and frequency of abortions” authorised since 1967 in the UK. Performed “under strict medical control”up to this point, access to abortion will be “facilitated”. This change affects England, Scotland and Wales. Abortion “is still considered a criminal offence in Northern Ireland”.
“For the first time, women are given recognition to take responsibility for their own lives”, declared Diana Johnson, the Labour MP who initiated this law.
France Info (16/03/2017); Marie Claire, Katia Fache (16/03/2017)