MPs to debate a petition relating to decriminalising abortion
28 May 2025
On Monday 2 June, MPs will debate a petition relating to decriminalising abortion.
- Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 2 June)
- Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
- Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter
Tony Vaughan MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.
"Decriminalise Abortion"
The petition, which received more than 103,000 signatures, stated: "I am calling on the UK government to remove abortion from criminal law so that no pregnant person can be criminalised for procuring their own abortion."
In its response to the petition, provided on 23 December 2024, the Government said: "All women have a right to access to safe, legal abortions on the NHS."
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.
Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright