Parliament had the chance this week to make abortion a fully legal right in England and Wales, as it is in Northern Ireland. But instead of removing it from the criminal code, MPs voted for a softer amendment that only protects women from being prosecuted not the doctors and providers who help them.
Campaigners say this was a big missed chance. They believe the left has been too cautious, letting right-wing voices control the debate. The law still treats abortion as a criminal act, even though around 250,000 women in the UK have one every year.
So What? Insights
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Abortion remains criminalised: It’s only allowed under certain conditions. This leaves the door open for future governments to restrict access more easily.
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Right-wing influence growing: Across the world, groups that oppose abortion are teaming up with others who are anti-immigrant, anti-trans, and anti-human rights. They’re shaping public debate and winning elections.
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The left is playing it safe: Activists warn that by choosing “safe wins” over bold reform, progressives are falling behind in the fight for human rights.
Key Implications
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UK laws still vulnerable: Because abortion is still a crime under the law, future governments can roll back rights without much resistance.
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What happened in the US could happen here: Campaigners say the fall of Roe v Wade in America should have been a wake-up call. Instead, the UK is repeating the same mistake, failing to act before it’s too late.
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Far-right ideas are spreading: In countries like Poland, Italy, and Hungary, strict abortion laws have already passed. Now similar rhetoric is creeping into UK media and politics.
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Practical Takeaways
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This was a winnable vote: Campaigners say if the broader amendment had been supported, it would have passed. The moment was lost.
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Medical professionals remain at risk: Under current laws, even doctors and nurses can be investigated for helping with abortions.
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Activists call for braver action: Future campaigns must push harder to fully legalise abortion, not just protect access through small steps.
Final Thoughts
This week’s vote shows how the left’s fear of backlash can cause it to hold back, even when there’s support for bold change. As attacks on progressive values grow louder and stronger, caution is no longer enough. Campaigners argue that rights must be defended with confidence and courage.
The message is clear: half measures don’t protect freedoms, only full reform does.
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