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Proceeding contribution from Baroness Thornton (Labour) in the House of Lords on Monday, 2 February 2026. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HL) on Crime and Policing Bill.


Crime and Policing Bill

As we have heard from the noble Lord, Lord Jackson, basically, this suite of amendments drives a coach and horses through abortion rights as a whole, as well as, of course, completely opposing the clause that is under discussion. For example, virtually zero abortions occur at 39 weeks’ gestation. Taking abortion pills at that stage of gestation would simply induce labour. To accept the amendment would mean continuing criminal offences for abortion for vulnerable women. The same applies to the other suite. There would be delays and reversals, and vulnerable women would continue to face life-changing and traumatic investigations.

Amendment 563 is a wrecking amendment linked to all the other amendments to delay the implementation of the change in law. So while the noble Lord might say that he is—


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
852 c1413 
Session
2024-26
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Abortion Annual reports Decriminalisation Domestic abuse Drugs Ethnic groups Sex selection Protection Prosecutions Public consultation Prerogative of mercy Side effects Ultrasonics Girls Telemedicine
Legislation
Abortion Act 1967
Offences against the Person Act 1861
Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929
Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk