Article by Harriet Minter
Clare Murphy, CEO of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) joined WeAreTheCity to talk about what this means in practice and how it impacts women in the UK and beyond.
Murphy explained that the June ruling by the Supreme Court didn’t make abortion illegal in the US but sent back the question of whether it should be legal or not to the individual states to decide for themselves. A number of those states had laws waiting to be enacted which would impose a restriction or ban on abortion making it at best difficult and at worst impossible for people living in those states to access safe abortion services.
Because of the creation of abortion pills, which allow access medical abortion services through the post, women and pregnant people in those states will still be able to access some abortion services but this won’t help the majority of people facing an unwanted pregnancy. The majority of women in UK who are more than ten weeks pregnant will opt for a surgical abortion, Murphy said, and the same is true in the US. This means women will have to cross state lines – and sometimes cross several states – in order to access a safe abortion. President Biden has announced that there will be funding for women who need to travel, although the details of this are still not clear.
What does this mean for women in the UK? On the whole Murphy felt that abortion in the UK was in a more secure place than it had been in the US prior to the overturning of Roe v Wade. She explained how the campaign against abortion rights in the US had been an ongoing, strategic campaign for many years which had flourished under Donald Trump’s changes to the judges serving on the Supreme Court. However, she warned against complacency when it comes to abortion rights here in the UK.
She explained that while the NHS funds the majority of abortion services in the UK, the service itself is actually provided by organisations outside the NHS such as BPAS or MSI Reproductive Services. BPAS not only provides the service but also campaigns for progressive reform of the UK abortion laws and offers education on why it’s a service that women will always need. She added that in the UK abortion services are seen as a part of a wider discussion around women’s rights and wellbeing which includes medical professionals, rape crisis and domestic abuse services and charities, as well as pro-choice campaigners.
However, this doesn’t mean that the UK is without problems when it comes to access to abortions. Murphy talked about smaller challenges which had been brought against the right to abortion law in recent years, which she sees as a way of chipping away at it – including a challenge to the rights of abortion providers to offer counselling to those seeking an abortion.
She also reminded those listening that the UK hasn’t decriminalised abortion, merely that it had allowed abortion up to 24 weeks when approved by two doctors on the basis that continuing the pregnancy would cause harm to a woman’s mental or physical health. This means that there are currently two women facing a life sentence for procuring abortion pills to terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks.
The sooner we can see abortion decriminalised the better. The 1861 offences against the person act which criminalises women for making decisions about their own bodies, often in very difficult circumstances, simply has no place in the 21st century.
She praised companies who included abortion in their pregnancy loss policies and who actively encouraged conversations about women’s health and wellbeing in the office. Events which address issues such as menopause, periods or mental health are key in breaking down the barriers surrounding these topics.
Clare Murphy is Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, a charity which delivers reproductive healthcare services to around 100,000 women each year across the UK and campaigns for the legal and policy frameworks needed to deliver reproductive choice. Clare was appointed CEO after a decade running the charity’s advocacy, communications and education programmes. Prior to joining BPAS Clare was a health journalist at the BBC.
June
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.