General Article 10 reasons to decriminalise abortion

Topic Selected: Abortion and Pregnancy Options Book Volume: 367
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1 It’s out of date

The 1861 Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA), which criminalises abortion, is a Victorian piece of legislation that fossilises values well out of step with those cherished in Britain today.

2 It’s patronising to women 

Under the 1967 Abortion Act, which provided exemptions from prosecution under the OAPA but did not decriminalise abortion, a woman cannot decide for herself to have an abortion.

This decision has to be made on her behalf, by two doctors. This paternalistic...

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