Changes to abortion law in England and Wales need to be described precisely. Section 241 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 changed the position of women acting in relation to their own pregnancies; it did not repeal abortion offences for everyone.
What changed in 2026?
Section 241 came into force on 29 April 2026. It disapplies the criminal law related to abortion, including sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929, in relation to a woman acting in respect of her own pregnancy, at any gestation.
This is a specific change to criminal liability. It should not be described as a general removal of those provisions from the statute book or a wholesale change to the rules for healthcare providers.
What remains in place?
The Abortion Act 1967 continues to govern the lawful provision of abortion services. Section 241 does not alter that Act's clinical framework, including its grounds, applicable gestational limits and medical approval requirements. Other people can still commit offences where they act outside the law.
Professional, regulatory and safeguarding obligations also remain relevant. The legal position is jurisdiction-specific: this article concerns England and Wales, and should not be treated as an account of the separate law in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
A correction to our earlier article
The earlier version incorrectly stated that sections 58 and 59 had been removed and suggested a general change affecting healthcare providers. That statement has been replaced with this updated explanation of the 2026 legislation.
Anyone dealing with an investigation or a question of professional responsibility should obtain advice on the particular facts. Balaghi & Rose advises on criminal and regulatory matters. Contact info@balaghi-rose.com.
Updated 23 October 2026. General information only; advice depends on the facts and the law applicable to your matter.
