22 OCTOBER 2018

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On 23rd October 2018, Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to vote on a Ten-Minute Rule Bill to take abortion out of the criminal law in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This is a key measure for protecting the right to access abortion services, particularly for women in abusive or controlling relationships.

The Fawcett Society, along with the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Imkaan, Rape Crisis England & Wales, Southall Black Sisters and Women’s Aid Federation of England support this bill and ask MPs to vote in favour.

In this briefing you will find:

• A summary on current abortion law, including in Northern Ireland
• How the current law restricts the ways in which abortion services can be provided and accessed
• A focus on the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and so-called "honour-based‟ violence
• Excerpts of women's stories who have faced difficulties in accessing treatment

Download the briefing here