Member

This clause will bring the law into disrepute. First, it will overshadow the good aim of the Government’s Bill, which commands widespread support: tackling the epidemic of crime and lawlessness that has gripped the country. Secondly, it will turn a blind eye to a criminal offence by decriminalising an illegal act for just one group of people: pregnant women. This is a regressive step for women, who deserve to be under the same legal obligations as others and are owed the same punishment should they transgress.