Dear John, 

We have one final hurdle to overcome before safe access zones come into force this Spring.  Despite Parliament voting to introduce these zones last year, the Home Office have drafted non-statutory guidance for the police which fundamentally undermines the law that was passed.

The consultation closes on Monday 22 January, so please make sure that your voices are heard and you share the consultation and response guide with everyone you know! 

Time To Act

On 9^th January 2024, after more than three years of police investigation and court appearances,  a young woman  in Teesside was found not guilty of an "illegal" abortion. The maximum sentence would have been life in prison. It should never have got to this point. 

The number of women facing criminal investigation under Great Britain’s cruel and outdated abortion law is increasing. It is Time To Act.

England & Wales have the most severe punishment for an “illegal” abortion in the world – up to life imprisonment. This is worse than countries and states with severe anti-abortion laws such as Texas, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. We are on the wrong side of history.

You have the opportunity to end the threat of prison time for these desperate women, and ensure they receive the care and compassion they need.

Dame Diana Johnson MP is currently leading a cross-party amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill (NC1) which would remove women from the criminal law related to abortion - ending the threat of lengthy police investigations, prosecutions and prison time. 

By getting your MP to support Dame Diana Johnson’s amendment – you can help stop the threat of women going to prison for ending their pregnancies. 

We know times are difficult for many, but, if you are able to, please consider making a one-off donation to our fighting fund or pledge to support our work with a monthly donation.

Together, we will continue the fight for abortion law reform.

Thank you, as always, for your support.

Best wishes,
 
The team at BPAS