A cross-party group of MPs, including representatives from the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green, and Plaid Cymru parties, have rallied behind Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson’s amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, which seeks to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales. The proposal aims to update the 19th-century laws that currently subject women to potential life imprisonment for undergoing the procedure. The amendment would ensure women are not criminalized for seeking abortions, while not impacting existing regulations around abortion provision, which include a 24-week time limit among other requirements. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has voiced support for the amendment which aligns with modern medical practices and women’s reproductive rights. MPs are expected to vote on this significant reform after Easter.

In a related healthcare and legal reform discourse, the UK faces calls to reconsider its stance on assisted dying, sparked by the story of Paola Marra, a 53-year-old woman with terminal cancer who ended her life at Dignitas in Switzerland. Marra’s experience, including her final plea for the legalization of assisted dying in the UK, has ignited a debate on the need for individuals to have autonomy in end-of-life decisions. Notable support has emerged from political figures, including Keir Starmer and Kit Malthouse, advocating for legislative change. Paola Marra’s collaboration with photographer Rankin resulted in a posthumously released film and an open letter to party leaders at Westminster, pushing for a reevaluation of laws that deny individuals the right to die with dignity on their own terms. This ongoing debate highlights the growing momentum and public support for revising both abortion and assisted dying laws in the UK, signifying a shift towards more compassionate healthcare legislation.