When it comes to lords urged to ensure women criminalised for abortion are ‘not left behind’, women in England and Wales who have faced arrest, investigation, and conviction under abortion laws should not be overlooked as legislative changes are considered, campaigners assert. The House of Commons voted last summer to remove the criminalization of women who terminate pregnancies outside the legal framework through a new clause added to the crime and policing bill. The House of Lords is set to deliberate on its own amendments to the legislation on Wednesday, which include proposals to halt ongoing police inquiries into suspected illegal abortions and to issue pardons for those already convicted.
Elizabeth Barker, a Liberal Democrat peer who is advocating for one of the amendments, expressed her concern over how the system has treated these women during vulnerable moments in their lives. "When I heard how the system has treated these women and girls when they are at their most vulnerable, and how they may have to explain this every time their [disclosure and barring service] check gets renewed, it was clear this cruelty had to be stopped," she said. Barker highlighted that while the number of women convicted under these laws is relatively small, the consequences of such convictions can be life-altering, affecting job prospects and even daily activities like renewing car insurance. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding Lords Urged To Ensure Women Criminalised For Abortion Are ‘not Left Behind’
One such story is that of Becca, a 19-year-old healthcare assistant from northern England, who found herself in a shocking situation after unexpectedly discovering she was pregnant. Believing she had just conceived, she sought an abortion at a clinic where she was given pills. However, when she did not experience the expected bleeding, Becca contacted NHS 111 for guidance and was advised to go to the Accident & Emergency department. There, a scan revealed she was six months pregnant, a shocking revelation that led to the premature birth of her son, Harry.
After Harry was born at 28 weeks, he was transferred to a specialized hospital for premature infants. Unfortunately, that hospital ended up reporting Becca to the police. A few weeks later, as she was preparing to celebrate her new role as a mother, Becca received a knock at the door from law enforcement. "We sat down and that was when they told me I was under arrest for attempted child destruction. I didn't even know what that meant," she recalled, emphasizing the shock and confusion of the moment.
The Implications of Arrest
Becca's ordeal did not end with her arrest. During her questioning, police suggested that she might have stolen the abortion pills from work or been coerced by her boyfriend to take the drugs. "What are you talking about? I've told the truth from the moment I called 111 and asked for help," she responded, bewildered by their insinuations. The police also arrested her partner at the hospital, and both had their electronic devices confiscated. The couple was then informed by social services that they could not have unsupervised contact with their newborn son, a distressing situation that lasted for several months.
Ultimately, the police investigation was closed 15 months later, but the impact of the arrest lingers. Abortion offenses are categorized as violent crimes, meaning that even without a conviction, an arrest can appear on a disclosure and barring service check. Becca, now 21, reflects on how this can hinder her future. "You don't want to have to tell such a traumatic event to a random stranger who's going to be your boss," she noted, emphasizing the emotional burden she carries.
The Call for Legislative Change
Becca's mother, Anne, added to the discussion by highlighting the long-term ramifications of such arrests. Becca is considering a career as a nurse or midwife, but the shadow of her past continues to loom over her aspirations. "It's going to be awkward because she's going to have to explain her situation, and it shouldn't be that way," Anne stated, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by those criminalized under the current laws. Campaigners are advocating for legislative reform that would allow for the erasure of such arrest records, which they believe would enable women like Becca to lead normal lives devoid of the stigma associated with their past.
As the House of Lords prepares to discuss these amendments, the voices of those affected by these laws grow louder. The hope is that the proposed changes will not only decriminalize future abortions but also provide justice and closure for those who have suffered under the existing framework.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.