Wellbeing of Women respond to historic vote by the House of Lords to remove criminal law relating to abortion in England and Wales

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said:

“Wellbeing of Women welcomes the historic House of Lords vote to remove women from criminal law relating to abortion in England and Wales. This milestone is a powerful recognition of women’s lived realities, their health needs, and their right to make decisions about their own bodies without fear of prosecution.

By backing this amendment, Peers have taken an essential step towards ensuring that every woman can access safe, compassionate, high‑quality abortion care grounded in dignity, privacy, and respect.

Women deserve a legal framework that puts their health and wellbeing first — one that supports them through difficult moments rather than criminalises them, and one that enables healthcare professionals to provide the evidence‑based care women need.

We now urge MPs in the House of Commons to uphold these vital provisions when the Bill returns in the coming weeks. Women’s safety, autonomy, and wellbeing depend on it.”