How the crime of procuring a miscarriage is being used today

I this video I look at how the crime of procuring a miscarriage (an offence under section 58 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861) is being used today. In previous videos I have talked about the history of the law and the reasons why a woman ends her pregnancy illegally. What is clear from looking at recent cases is that these factors are rarely taken into account when procuring a miscarriage is charged and then a woman is convicted of the crime and sentenced. Instead, the offence is being understood as a crime against the foetus. Not only is this interpretation of the law contrary to parliament’s intention, but it also has worrying implications for women and their unborn children.