Yesterday, MPs voted in favour of removing women from criminal law in relation to procuring an abortion in England and Wales, via an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill tabled by Labour MP, Tonia Antoniazzi.

While the Abortion Act 1967 introduced exemptions that made abortion legal in certain circumstances – which mean that most can access safe, legal abortions – the fundamental criminalisation remained in place.

The campaign came at a critical time. After years with virtually no prosecutions under the 1861 law, the past three years have seen six women appear in court for ending their own pregnancies.

Abortion providers report receiving nearly 100 demands from police for women’s confidential medical records to pursue alleged abortion offences. Those investigated include domestic abuse survivors, trafficking victims, girls under 18, and women who experienced unexpected premature labour at home.

The amendments have no impact on the provision of abortion care, the laws that govern doctors, nurses and midwives, nor the abortion time limit. The amendment was backed by more than 30 medical and women’s rights organisations across the UK.

Claire Hodgson, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan UK, stated: “Cosmopolitan has been campaigning for women’s rights, particularly our reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, since its launch 60 years ago. Like any physical or mental healthcare concern, appropriate processes and guidelines should absolutely be in place. We’re not suggesting the deregulation of abortion, or that the time limit is changed.  But it is our firm belief, along with this wider coalition of charities and medical professionals, that abortion is just that – healthcare. It is not a crime.”

Heidi Stewart, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, said: “We are proud to stand together with Cosmopolitan at this historic moment for women’s rights. This is our chance to make our voices heard, to bring our Victorian abortion law in to the twenty-first century, and to protect women and girls from the threat of police and prosecution.  We urge everyone who supports a woman’s right to choose to contact their MP and join this vital campaign.”