A couple’s sentencing for buying abortion pills sparks renewed calls for reform of England’s abortion laws amid public outcry.
Gloucester: A young couple’s recent court case has reignited discussions about abortion laws in England. Sophie Harvey and Elliot Benham, both 25 now, faced serious charges after a stillbirth six years ago.
They were initially arrested on murder suspicions after disposing of their stillborn baby. At the time, they were just 19 and had tried to get an abortion but found out Sophie was too far along.
After being denied a legal abortion, Elliot searched online for alternatives, which led him to order illegal abortion pills. Although they claimed Sophie never took the pills, they still pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.
Under current English law, abortion is illegal, with strict penalties. The law allows abortions only under specific conditions, usually before 24 weeks, but there are exceptions.
During sentencing, the judge acknowledged the couple’s trauma from the lengthy legal process. This case has sparked renewed calls for law changes, especially after previous attempts to amend the law failed.
Advocates argue that prosecuting women for seeking abortions is not in the public interest. They emphasize the need for compassion and support rather than criminal charges, highlighting the outdated nature of the current laws.
Many believe that the law, which dates back over 160 years, is no longer suitable for today’s society. They argue that women should not face stigma or legal repercussions for making healthcare choices.
As discussions continue, some lawmakers are pushing for legislative changes to decriminalize abortion, framing it as a healthcare issue rather than a criminal one.
