Press Release: Abortion Rights says fourth abortion prosecution in eight months shows need for decriminalisation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Abortion Rights activists have condemned the latest criminal case to be brought against a woman over an alleged self-induced abortion. In this case, a 22-year-old woman, Bethany Cox, is being prosecuted.

This case marks a concerning trend, as it is the fourth such incident in just eight months, a stark contrast to the mere three trials reported over the past 160 years.

Abortion Rights is renewing its call for the decriminalisation of abortion, asserting that the reproductive rights of individuals should be respected and protected.

Bethany Cox’s case highlights the ongoing struggle faced by women and individuals seeking to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and their futures.

Abortion Rights believes that criminalising abortions not only endangers the health and wellbeing of those seeking to terminate pregnancies but also perpetuates a culture of secrecy and stigma around reproductive health choices.

The organisation contends that the legal framework surrounding abortion is outdated and out of touch with the realities of modern healthcare and human rights.

The recent surge in cases emphasises the urgent need for a more compassionate approach to reproductive health issues. Abortion Rights welcomed the move to making telemedicine a permanent option for those seeking abortion services.

Abortion Rights spokesperson Kerry Abel states, “The case of Bethany Cox is yet more evidence of why we need change. Abortion is healthcare and should be removed from criminal law. The growing number of prosecutions under a law passed over 150 years ago highlights the failure of our current legal system.

“We stand in solidarity with those who seek to make decisions about their bodies free from judgement and criminalisation. It’s time to decriminalise abortion and ensure that individuals have access to safe, legal, and supportive reproductive healthcare.”

Abortion Rights calls upon legislators, policymakers, and society at large to recognise the urgency of this issue and to work towards decriminalising abortion. Abortion Rights believes that a society that respects and upholds reproductive rights is one that values bodily autonomy, gender equality, and individual agency.

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For further information, please contact Kerry Abel, Abortion Rights, chair kerry@abortionrights.org.uk