Abortion and conscientious objection

What this lesson covers

The law in one minute
What changed on 29 April 2026
Conscientious objection: limits and duties
In the station: law, both sides, your line
How this comes up on the day

The words to use

Abortion Act 1967: Makes abortion lawful when a registered doctor ends a pregnancy and two doctors agree in good faith that a ground applies. It covers England, Wales and Scotland.
Section 241: The Crime and Policing Act 2026 provision saying a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy commits no offence. In force in England and Wales since 29 April 2026.
Conscientious objection: The right under section 4 not to participate in abortion treatment you object to. It covers hands-on tasks only and never emergencies.
Duty to refer: The obligation, stated by the Supreme Court in Doogan, for an objector to pass the patient to a professional who does not share the objection.
Safe access zone: A 150-metre zone around abortion clinics in England and Wales, in force since 31 October 2024, where influencing, obstructing or harassing people is an offence.

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The words to use

Abortion Act 1967

Makes abortion lawful when a registered doctor ends a pregnancy and two doctors agree in good faith that a ground applies. It covers England, Wales and Scotland.

Section 241

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 provision saying a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy commits no offence. In force in England and Wales since 29 April 2026.

Conscientious objection

The right under section 4 not to participate in abortion treatment you object to. It covers hands-on tasks only and never emergencies.

Duty to refer

The obligation, stated by the Supreme Court in Doogan, for an objector to pass the patient to a professional who does not share the objection.

Safe access zone

A 150-metre zone around abortion clinics in England and Wales, in force since 31 October 2024, where influencing, obstructing or harassing people is an offence.