BMA backs calls for decriminalisation of abortion

The British Medical Association (BMA) has recommended that the 1967 Abortion Act be overhauled to ensure abortion is no longer legally classified as a crime in the UK.

During the BMA annual representative meeting, a debate and vote resulted in members of the doctors' union expressing support for the removal of criminal sanctions associated with the procedure.

As it stands, abortion is considered a crime in England and Wales unless women are able to prove to a doctor that proceeding with the pregnancy is detrimental to their health and wellbeing, in which case they can receive permission for a termination.

The BMA acknowledged that the issue is a sensitive and complex one, noting that these procedures still need to be subject to regulation and limitations, but adding that these ought to be subject to professional and regulatory – not criminal – sanctions.

BMA medical ethics committee chair John Chisholm said: "Abortion is currently a crime, with exceptions, throughout the UK. Following the debate the majority of doctors were clear that abortion should be treated as a medical issue, rather than a criminal one."

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