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Abortion
Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy by medicine or surgery.
Summary
- In England, Scotland and Wales the Abortion Act 1967 allows it up to 24 weeks when two doctors agree that the legal grounds are met.
- After 24 weeks it is allowed only in limited cases, such as a risk to the woman's life or a substantial risk that the child would be seriously disabled.
- Since April 2026 a woman in England and Wales cannot be prosecuted for ending her own pregnancy. The Abortion Act and its time limits did not change.
- A doctor with a conscientious objection can decline to take part, but must tell the patient they can see another doctor and make sure they are able to.
In practice
- Section 1 of the Abortion Act 1967 requires two doctors to form the opinion, in good faith, that continuing the pregnancy carries more risk to the woman's physical or mental health, or to her existing children, than ending it.
- The 2026 change is section 241 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which says no offence is committed by a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy.
In Hong Kong
- The law is section 47A of the Offences against the Person Ordinance. As the Medical Council of Hong Kong's code sets out, a pregnancy may be ended only if two registered doctors agree in good faith that a legal ground is met (section 36.2).
- The grounds are a risk to the woman's life, or to her physical or mental health, greater than if the pregnancy were ended, or a substantial risk that the child would be seriously disabled.
- A doctor is under no obligation to perform an abortion against their own beliefs, and may refer the patient to another doctor (section 36.11).
Interview questions
- What does the law say about abortion in the UK?
- A doctor objects to abortion on religious grounds. What are their duties to a patient who asks for one?
- Should the 24 week limit change as care for premature babies improves?
Sources
- legislation.gov.uklegislation.gov.uk/…/87
- legislation.gov.uklegislation.gov.uk/…/241
- Medical Council of Hong Kongmchk.org.hk/…/Code_of_Professional_Conduct_%28English_Version%29_%28Revise
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