Miriam Cates Warns of Extreme Abortion Law Changes in the UK

Britain’s abortion laws are under scrutiny as potential legislative changes could make them among the most permissive in Europe. Former Conservative MP Miriam Cates has raised concerns over proposed amendments by Labour MPs, which aim to decriminalize abortion entirely, allowing it potentially up to the point of birth.

Currently, the legal limit for abortions in Britain is 24 weeks, though most procedures occur much earlier. The political landscape in the UK has maintained a long-standing consensus on abortion, unlike the polarized debate seen in the United States. However, Labour MPs Tonia Antoniazzi and Stella Creasy are pushing for amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill that could disrupt this consensus with a vote expected soon.

In a Telegraph article, Cates pointed out a disparity in public and political opinion: only one percent of the British public supports abortion up to birth, yet 70 percent of MPs believe women should not face legal actions for having abortions beyond 24 weeks.

The rise of “do-it-yourself” abortions, which became prevalent during the Covid-19 lockdowns when in-person consultations were replaced with phone appointments, has added to the debate. This shift has led to troubling incidents. In one case, a woman took abortion pills at eight months gestation, mistakenly claiming she was only seven weeks pregnant.

Other disturbing cases include a man who obtained abortion pills and secretly gave them to his pregnant girlfriend, resulting in the loss of the baby and her subsequent infertility. He was later incarcerated.

Since at-home abortions became more accessible, approximately 10,000 women have required hospital treatment after using abortion pills at home, signaling potential risks and complications associated with the practice.

Cates cautioned that extending the legal timeframe for abortion could lead to increased coercion of individuals into the procedure and a rise in medical issues. She stated, “Abortion is a sensitive issue and there is no public consensus on what the legal time limit should be. But in a society where human rights are respected and the vulnerable protected, it is unthinkable that there should be no consequences for ending the life of an unborn, fully-formed human child.” She further emphasized the gravity of the matter by adding, “MPs must not allow the unpopular obsession of a handful of activists to change the law. Stand up to the extremists – the public are behind you.”