India, June 18 -- The UK parliament has taken its first major step towards reproductive rights for women in 60 years and voted to decriminalise abortion.

The amendment, which called for the decriminalisation of abortion beyond the 24-week mark, was put forward by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi.

In a landslide vote, British MPs voted 379 in favour of decriminalising abortion, while 137 voted against the bill.

Based on this historic passing, women who terminate their pregnancy outside the rules (24 week mark), will no longer be at risk of being investigated by the police or be subject to a life sentence.

However, medical professionals who assist women in obtaining an abortion outside the 24-week limit could still face prosecution.

While pr...