Abortion law changes to term

Late fetal development in the third trimester (weeks 28–40) is mainly about rapid growth, organ maturation, and preparation for life outside the womb. The brain undergoes rapid growth in size and complexity Development of gyri and sulci (folds) increases surface area Improved neural connections Sleep–wake cycles become more regular Eyes open and close; can respond to light Hearing is well developed → responds to sounds and voices Increased coordinated movements: Kicking, stretching, grasping Pain perception https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072285/#:~:text=Conversely%2C%20the%20American%20College%20of,1%2C%202%2C%2011). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33048913/ Utilization of analgesia and anesthesia during fetal surgery began in the early 1980s, US anesthesiology and fetal therapy consensus statement in 2021 recommends administration of fetal anesthesia in all invasive maternal-fetal procedures. Lungs mature significantly Increased production of surfactant (reduces alveolar collapse) By ~34–36 weeks, lungs are usually capable of supporting breathing Practice breathing movements occur (though no air is inhaled) Heart is fully formed and functioning Circulation is adapted to fetal life (e.g., ductus arteriosus still open) Prepares for transition at birth when fetal shunts close Rapid weight gain (most of it occurs now) Fat deposition under the skin: Helps with temperature regulation after birth Skin becomes: Less wrinkled More opaque Lanugo (fine hair) begins to disappear Skin and Coverings Nails grow to fingertips Hair on the scalp becomes thicker Swallowing amniotic fluid regularly Meconium (first stool) accumulates in intestines Liver stores glycogen for energy after birth Transfer of maternal antibodies (IgG) increases: Provides passive immunity after birth Fetus often settles into a head-down (cephalic) position near term Size by Term (around 40 weeks) Weight: ~3–4 kg Length: ~48–52 cm Current UK law Continuation of the 24-week time limit and the 10-week limit on telemedicine, agreed by Parliament in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic New law Remove the threat of police investigation, arrest, or prison for women ending their own pregnancy New law applies regardless of gestational age MPs back decriminalisation of abortion https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/mps-back-decriminalisation-of-abortion?utm_source=chatgpt.com (Regardless of gestational age)? BMA welcomes move it describes as ‘long overdue’ while maintaining issue is a healthcare matter (England Wales) A vote in Parliament on 17 June (2025) saw lawmakers endorse the NC One (New Clause one) amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which could see an end to the threat of criminal investigation and prosecution of women who choose to terminate their pregnancy. MPs vote 379 to 137 in favour of the amendment BMA medical ethics committee deputy chair ‘The passing of this amendment is a significant and long overdue step towards reforming antiquated abortion law in England and Wales…. ‘Beyond this bill we will continue to push for wider reform of abortion law – including campaigning for the removal of criminal sanctions for medical professionals involved in abortions as part of their clinical practice…. The UK-wide decriminalisation of abortion has been BMA policy since 2017. (46 minutes of backbench debate) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/03/25/mps-urge-mahmood-block-decriminalising-late-abortions/ Lords move to decriminalise abortion up to birth https://care.org.uk/news/2026/03/lords-move-to-decriminalise-abortion-up-to-birth 19th March 2026 Baroness Monckton tabled an amendment to the Bill in the Lords to remove the “radical proposal” which she said was passed in the Commons “without any evidence, scrutiny, public consultation or impact assessment”. She argued that decriminalisatio