Tell Your MP: Abortion Is Not a Crime
Abortion is still treated as a crime in England and Wales under a law from 1861. From June 17th-18th, Parliament will finally vote on whether to end prosecutions for people who have abortions (NC1), and—if MPs are willing—whether to fully decriminalise abortion for everyone, including providers (NC20). We need you to make sure your MP moves things forward—at the very least by passing NC1, and ideally by backing NC20.
How to Take Action:
Go to writetothem.com to find and email your MP.
Copy and personalise the letter below. Send it by Friday 14 June for maximum impact.
Email template:
Subject: Please Vote to Decriminalise Abortion – Support NC1 and NC20
Dear [MP’s Name],
You may have seen or been tagged in our recent Instagram post about the upcoming votes on abortion law. I am writing as your constituent because I am deeply concerned that abortion is still treated as a crime in England. With Parliament about to vote on this issue, I am urging you to act.
Access to safe, legal abortion is essential healthcare. Yet under Sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, abortion is still treated as a criminal offence—with penalties including life imprisonment. This Victorian-era law is completely out of step with modern medicine and human rights.
Criminalising abortion:
Creates fear, stigma, and unnecessary delays in seeking care
Endangers the wellbeing of vulnerable people
Undermines trust in the NHS and medical professionals
Leaves both patients and clinicians at risk of prosecution
What I am asking you to do:
At the very least, vote for NC1 to finally end the threat of prosecution for people who have abortions. This is the bare minimum that must be achieved now.
But I urge you to also support NC20 for full decriminalisation—removing all criminal penalties for abortion, including for healthcare providers. This is the real long-term solution.
If NC20 does not pass, you must still ensure NC1 is delivered.
These changes will bring our law into line with modern standards, protect both patients and providers, and ensure abortion is treated as healthcare—not a crime.
Will you stand with healthcare professionals, human rights advocates, and your constituents by voting for at least NC1, and ideally NC20? Your commitment will make a real difference.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address/Postcode]
[Your Email/Contact]