A significant change to UK law has been enacted as Parliament voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales, repealing parts of a 19th-century statute that criminalised termination beyond 24 weeks.

The amendment passed 379 to 137 in a free vote, aiming to halt prosecutions of women, a move supported by campaigners but criticised by some who warn of unintended consequences and the potential for late-term terminations without accountability.

While procedures up to 24 weeks remain regulated under the 1967 Abortion Act, medical professionals assisting after this threshold could still face legal scrutiny under existing regulations.

The change, part of the Crime and Policing Bill, now proceeds to the House of Lords for final approval.