Abortion Rights Condemns Police Chiefs’ Shocking Guidance on Pregnancy Loss Investigations

Revelations about the latest guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) on conducting “child death investigations” have sparked outrage. The document encourages police to carry out deeply intrusive investigations into any unexpected pregnancy loss — a disturbing overreach into women’s lives.

The guidance includes instructions on seizing women’s digital devices to examine search histories and fertility app data, as well as advice on accessing medical records without a court order. These tactics effectively treat women as suspects simply for experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Abortion Rights Vice Chair Judith Orr said:

“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.

“This guidance represents a dangerous and unjust escalation in the policing of women’s bodies. It is more urgent than ever that abortion is decriminalised and recognised as essential healthcare. We stand in solidarity with all women targeted under this archaic framework and call on the NPCC to immediately withdraw this guidance in light of widespread condemnation — including from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.”

Abortion Rights urges policymakers and the public to resist the criminalisation of reproductive healthcare and support the urgent reform of abortion law.