On trial for having an abortion

In this episode, The Guardian explores the controversial trial of Nicola Packer, who faced prosecution for having an abortion in modern-day Britain. Historically, abortion has been illegal under a 1861 law that can result in life imprisonment; however, various exemptions are in place. Nicola's case began when, during the lockdown in November 2020, she took abortion pills after confirming her pregnancy. Due to complications, she delivered a fetus at about 26 weeks, which led her to seek medical help. Upon revealing her situation to hospital staff, the police were called, leading to her arrest and prosecution.

Despite the traumatic circumstances surrounding her case, the prosecution maintained that she had knowingly broken the law by exceeding the abortion limit of 10 weeks, while Nicola defended her innocence, asserting she believed she was within legal limits. The trial resulted in an extensive legal battle lasting over four years and ignited a broader conversation about the implications of current abortion laws in Britain. Ultimately, Nicola was found not guilty by the jury, highlighting the significant emotional and psychological toll that such legal challenges impose on women. The episode concludes with a reflection on the need for reform in abortion legislation, spurred on by Nicola’s story.