Abortion convictions to be torn up as centuries-old laws removed in 'vindication for women'

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More than 100 women who were convicted or cautioned over illegal abortions will be given automatic pardons after centuries-old laws were withdrawn following a historic vote

Women who were convicted or cautioned over illegal abortions will be given automatic pardons from today after centuries-old laws were torn up.

More than 100 will have their records updated by police forces and courts after a historic vote last year. Campaigners have branded it a "vindication for women".

Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who put forward historic legislation last year, said: "This will be a huge relief to the over 100 women who were unnecessarily harmed by outdated abortion law, often at the very worst moments of their lives.

"This trauma cannot be erased, but I hope that this offers some alleviation of the pain these women have endured, enabling them to participate fully in society again, living their lives to the full, working the jobs they've always wanted to."

Under the previous laws, Ms Antoniazzi said, women were "treated as suspects, dragged from hospital beds to police cells" in moments of crisis where they should have been met with care.

In June last year MPs voted to decriminalise women terminating their own pregnancy under Ms Antoniazzi's amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill.

This will see police forces and courts expected to update their records, with women not required to apply for pardons or take any action.

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has not confirmed how many women are affected, but Ms Antoniazzi said she believed it will be more than 100. It includes pardons for women after their deaths.

It is no longer a criminal offence for a pregnant woman to terminate her own pregnancy at any stage. Abortion in England and Wales is legal with an authorised provider up to 24 weeks, with very limited circumstances allowing one after this time. These include when the mother's life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability.

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