Undercover investigations, the granting of an appeal to challenge DIY abortions, and the withdrawal of an amendment to a parliamentary bill, made a busy start to July with regard to abortion laws in the UK.
The Court of Appeal reversed the decision of the High Court to reject a legal challenge against the delivering of pills through the post for DIY abortions.
Lord Justice Lewison ruled it was ‘arguable’ that the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, had exceeded his powers under the 1967 Abortion Act. This followed his designation of ‘a pregnant woman’s home’ as a permissible place for abortion. Lord Lewison concluded that the arguments against Hancock’s actions had ‘a real prospect of success’ for two reasons. Only parliament can change the law and permitting DIY abortions frustrates the purpose of the Abortion Act, which is to ensure that abortions take place in safe and hygienic conditions.
