Community welcomes the move to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales, a change that became law on 29 April 2026, when the Crime and Policing Bill received Royal Assent. From this date, women can no longer face criminal investigation or prosecution for ending their own pregnancy. This change follows years of trade unions campaigning and removes the threat of criminal investigation or prosecution for women who end their own pregnancies, recognising them as patients, not criminals.
It is important to be clear about what this means. Decriminalisation does not mean deregulation and does not change how abortion services are provided day to day under the Abortion Act 1967. Clinical safeguards, time limits and professional responsibilities remain in place. What has changed is the removal of Victorian-era criminal penalties that have caused fear, stigma and harm, particularly in cases of pregnancy loss, late discovery, or complex personal circumstances.
Community’s Head of Equalities, Jennifer Dean, said:
“For too long, the presence of criminal law has risked compounding trauma at one of the most difficult moments in a woman’s life. Decriminalisation is a positive step towards a more compassionate, evidence based and humane approach to reproductive healthcare, aligned with public health principles and human dignity.
“At Community, we know that reproductive health intersects with equality at work, affecting wellbeing, participation, and economic security. Creating a fairer society means trusting women, supporting healthcare professionals, and ensuring that no one faces criminalisation for making deeply personal decisions.
“This is not the end of the conversation, but it is a significant and welcome step forward and we hope it marks the beginning of a wider commitment to reducing stigma, protecting dignity, and advancing equality for all.”
© Community Trade Union 2026
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