Abortion Rights Condemns NPCC’s “Pregnancy Loss” Policing Guidance as Outdated, Invasive, and Harmful

To:
The National Police Chiefs’ Council
10 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0NN

Dear National Police Chiefs’ Council,

Re: Abortion Rights Condemns NPCC Guidance on Pregnancy Loss Investigations

Abortion Rights, the national pro-choice campaign, writes to express our unequivocal condemnation of the recently published NPCC guidance on the investigation of unexpected pregnancy losses under the framework of “child death investigations.”

This document authorises and encourages deeply intrusive policing practices, including the seizure of women’s digital devices, review of fertility app data, and the accessing of confidential medical records — often without judicial authorisation. Such practices constitute a disturbing overreach into women’s private lives and reproductive healthcare, effectively criminalising those who experience miscarriage or stillbirth.

This guidance is not only medically and ethically indefensible but also legally suspect. It is rooted in legislation from 1861 — an era when women had no reproductive rights, no legal autonomy and no vote. That such outdated laws are being used to justify the surveillance of grieving women in 2025 is a damning indictment of current policing priorities and a gross betrayal of public trust.

As our Vice Chair, Judith Orr, has stated:

“It is truly horrifying that women who have suffered the trauma of pregnancy loss are being treated like criminals, with no regard for their right to privacy over their reproductive health. These invasive police actions are being justified by legislation from 1861 — a time when women had no legal autonomy, let alone the right to vote.”

We stand in solidarity with the medical professionals, legal experts, and human rights advocates who have publicly condemned this guidance — including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists — and we call for the following immediate actions:

• Full and immediate withdrawal of the NPCC guidance on pregnancy loss investigations;
• A formal apology and clarification issued to the public and to those impacted;
• A full review of existing protocols in consultation with legal, medical, and women’s rights organisations.

This guidance is not fit for a modern, democratic society. It endangers the health and wellbeing of women, undermines public trust in the police, and entrenches an outdated and punitive approach to reproductive healthcare.

We urge you to reconsider your stance and to act decisively to uphold the dignity, autonomy, and rights of all women and pregnant people.Yours sincerely,
Judith Orr
Abortion Rights Vice Chair