AR union motion April 2025

Abortion Rights under attack we fight back

This meeting notes:

The re-election of Trump and the ramping up of attacks on abortion rights in the US has given confidence to anti-abortion bigots here in Britain.

US anti-abortion groups are funding anti-abortion campaigns in Britain. Vice President JD Vance attacked the UK parliament for using the buffer zone rule against anti-abortionist Livia Tossici-Bolt, who was found guilty of a breach of the rule in Bournemouth.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wants to reduce the 24 week limit on abortions. He has spoken publicly about the need for higher birth rates.

On 6 September 2025 anti-abortion organisations will hold their annual anti-abortion ‘March for Life’ in central London rallying in Parliament Square.

This meeting also notes

Polls consistently show the majority of people in Britain support abortion rights.

Abortion is a medically safe procedure with up to 90% of abortions taking place before 10 weeks.

We are seeing a worrying number of women investigated and arrested for managing their own abortions using the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act .

Abortion is healthcare and has no place in criminal law. One in five women will have an abortion.

Abortion is a trade union issue. Rich women have aways been able to access the best care. It is working class women and pregnant people and their families who suffer when abortion access is attacked.

This meeting resolves

To demand that abortion is decriminalised – a demand supported by the British Medical Association , Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal Society of Midwives.

To raise the campaign for decriminalisation in our branches, committees and national executive.

To support the Pro-Choice Rally called by Abortion Rights on Saturday 6 September, publicise among members and bring delegations with union banners if possible.

To ensure the union nationally and local branches affiliate to Abortion Rights.