Women in England and Wales can no longer be prosecuted for terminating their own pregnancy, as landmark bill becomes law.

Under changes to the Crime and Policing Bill, those previously convicted of having an abortion will also be eligible for a historic pardon.

Medical professionals remain liable if they knowingly carry out the procedure beyond the legal time limit of 23 weeks and six days.

The decriminalisation of women terminating their pregnancies has long been campaigned for, with the change welcomed by campaign groups, public health organisations and charities.  

Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, described the occasion as “momentous”.

“Protecting the reproductive freedoms of women and girls is crucial in a society that strives for equality, fairness and tolerance,” she said.

“The college has long campaigned for this, recognising that restrictive laws do not reduce the need for abortion care. Instead, they increase inequalities in access, foster an environment of fear and stigmatisation, and put women’s lives at risk. Parliament has recognised that,” she added.

As of last month, English and Welsh law is now similar to legislation in countries such as Canada, Denmark and New Zealand, with doctors or abusive partners acting illegally still potentially facing consequences.

The government has now formally removed the ancient Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 and the Infant Life (Preservation) Act of 1929, in which women and girls were liable to prosecution for procuring an abortion for themselves.

Campaign groups have raised concerns over the rise in recent years of police investigations into vulnerable women.

Louise McCudden, head of UK advocacy and external relations at MSI Reproductive Choices, said women will now no longer “need to fear prosecution as they navigate what can be incredibly difficult personal circumstances.”

“Women will be able to seek advice and support without the threat of prison hanging over their heads. For those previously convicted, pardons represent the long-overdue recognition that they should never have been criminalised in the first place,” she added.