MPs have voted to decriminalise those seeking an abortion at any stage and for any reason

If approved by MPs women would no longer face prosecution if they aborted their own baby based on its sex, after the legal limit of 24 weeks, or without approval from doctors.

Currently abortion is a criminal offence in England and Wales unless it takes place before 24 weeks into a pregnancy and with the approval of doctors.

While parliament was moving towards more liberal abortion laws more women were being arrested or investigated

Amendment to crime and policing bill will change law to end prosecution of women who terminate pregnancies

Critics say amendment could pave way for dangerous, as well as sex-selective, abortions

Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi's amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill was supported, with MPs voting 379 to 137, majority 242.

Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi led the call to decriminalise the 1% of abortions that happen after 24 weeks.

The amendment comes after police investigated more than 100 women, including some who had natural miscarriages.

Telegraph readers say they are appalled by Parliament’s landmark vote

MPs have voted to decriminalise those seeking an abortion at any stage and for any reason