A member of the House of Lords is warning that a quiet change to UK law could have serious effects on women and unborn babies.
The change, called Clause 191, was added to the Crime and Policing Bill with little debate in the House of Commons. It would remove criminal penalties for women who end a pregnancy at any stage, if they do so alone. Critics say this would allow abortion up to birth.
👶“THE BABY IN THE ROOM!!” Baroness Monckton (@MoncktonR) asks why abortion supporters do not even mention the unborn baby in their briefings to Peers lobbying them to support radical proposals that would lead to viable babies’ lives being ended with no legal repercussions. pic.twitter.com/dEVVR1fnbT
— Right To Life UK (@RightToLifeUK) February 2, 2026
Opponents are especially worried about safety. Abortions later in pregnancy are usually done in hospitals with doctors present. Under this proposal, women beyond the 24-week limit could be at home without medical care. Health data shows that the risk of serious complications rises later in pregnancy.
Some medical groups, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, support removing criminal sanctions. Critics say these views focus only on the woman and ignore the unborn child, even when the baby could survive outside the womb.
The proposal is now being reviewed in the House of Lords. Those opposing it say it goes against public opinion and removes important legal protections for both women and unborn children.