ICCPR Recommendations 2024, paragraph 23
Plain English recommendation
Government should continue work to improve access to legal, effective, safe, confidential and equal access to abortion for women and girls, in light of paragraph 8 of General Comment No. 36 (2018). In particular, the Government should:
(a) change laws to fully decriminalise abortion in England, Wales and Scotland;
(b) Do more to remove barriers to abortion care in Northern Ireland. Ensure long-term funding in every Health and Social Care Trust area and access to telemedicine for early medical abortions;
(c) Take action to prevent the stigma and intimidation of those seeking abortions. This includes implementing awareness-raising policies and new laws for “safe access zones” at all health facilities. Ensure that any new laws are in line with Articles 19 and 21 of the ICCPR.
Original UN recommendation
Bearing in mind paragraph 8 of the Committee’s general comment No. 36 (2018) on the right to life, the State party should continue its efforts to guarantee legal, effective, safe, confidential and equal access to abortion for women and girls throughout the United Kingdom. In particular, the Committee calls on the State party:
(a) To revise its legislation to fully decriminalize abortion in England, Scotland and Wales, including by repealing the relevant provisions of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861 as applied in England and Wales, with a view to ensuring that women are not prosecuted for having an abortion;
(b) To strengthen its efforts to remove barriers currently impeding access to abortion care in Northern Ireland, including by ensuring adequate, long-term funding in every Health and Social Care Trust and access to telemedicine for early medical abortions;
(c) To take measures to prevent the stigmatization and intimidation of those who seek abortion, including by implementing awareness-raising policies and legislation guaranteeing safe access zones in all relevant health service facilities in a timely manner, ensuring that such legislation is in line with articles 19 and 21 of the Covenant.
Date of UN examination
03/05/2024
Original UN document
Download the original ICCPR concluding observations 2024 on the UN website.
Last updated on 09/04/2025