As the UK government prepares to debate significant alterations to abortion legislation, church members are being encouraged to reach out to the House of Lords. The Christian Institute is spearheading these efforts, urging churchgoers to voice their support for specific amendments in the Crime and Policing Bill, which could reshape abortion laws.
Key amendments, proposed by Baronesses Monckton and Stroud, are at the heart of this call to action. The Christian Institute contends that the proposed legislation could lead to profound changes unseen since the 1967 Abortion Act.
The contentious issue lies with a clause that would eliminate criminal penalties for women conducting abortions on themselves at any pregnancy stage. This amendment has sparked concern from The Christian Institute, which claims it effectively allows for unrestricted abortion up to birth without legal consequences.
Baroness Monckton is advocating for the complete removal of this clause, describing it as “an extreme social change” that lacks adequate parliamentary and public scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Baroness Stroud’s amendment focuses on reinstating mandatory in-person medical consultations before prescribing abortion pills for home use. This requirement was temporarily lifted during the pandemic but later became a permanent measure.
Advocates for returning to face-to-face consultations argue that they are vital for verifying gestational age, assessing medical risks, and identifying potential coercion.
The debate occurs amidst a backdrop of unprecedented abortion statistics, with government data showing 278,740 abortions in England and Wales in 2023 alone—the highest annual figure to date. Including Scotland and Northern Ireland, estimates suggest the UK-wide total neared 300,000 procedures last year.
The Christian Institute has expressed its stance, stating, “Abortion is a national scandal. It tramples on the truth that all people are made in God’s image and valuable from conception. And it is already happening on an industrial scale.”
Concerns about the rise in abortion numbers have been linked to the expanded “pills by post” services, with critics warning of increased complications and lessened safeguarding against coercion for later-term at-home abortions.
There have been several notable cases of abortion pill misuse, including instances of late-term abortions performed unlawfully or without women’s consent, which have heightened these concerns.
Proponents of decriminalisation argue it would modernize the law and prevent the prosecution of vulnerable women. Opponents, however, caution that such a significant change should not be enacted via a backbench amendment in a broader policing bill.
Critics also warn that removing criminal penalties could facilitate sex-selective abortions and diminish protections for vulnerable women. BPAS, an abortion provider, has been criticized for its guidance on sex-selective abortions, though it denies promoting the practice.
Polls cited by campaigners reveal a preference for keeping safeguards, with about two-thirds of women supporting a return to mandatory consultations, while only 16% back full decriminalization.
The Lords debate coincides with increasing discussions on the long-term effects of abortion on women. Recent peer-reviewed studies in the US indicate a significant minority of women experience lasting psychological distress years after the procedure, especially if they felt coerced or conflicted.
Experts recommend more thorough assessments and comprehensive counseling before proceeding with an abortion.
Catherine Robinson from Right To Life UK describes the potential legal revisions as “the most significant change to abortion legislation since the Abortion Act was introduced in 1967,” cautioning that they might increase the number of late-term at-home abortions and associated health risks.
The Christian Institute has called on Christians to contact peers before the vote and to pray that legislators “do what is right and protect unborn children and their mothers.”
The amendments are due for consideration during the Report Stage of the Crime and Policing Bill starting February 25.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
