Today in Focus On trial for having an abortion
May 28, 2025
Hannah Al-Othman, a North of England correspondent for The Guardian, joins the discussion as she shares the heart-wrenching case of Nicola Packer, prosecuted for an abortion during the pandemic. They delve into the trauma faced by women like Nicola, revealing the stark realities of outdated abortion laws in the UK. The conversation explores the emotional complexities of her journey, the societal implications of legal actions against women, and the urgent need for reform in abortion legislation. Together, they advocate for resilience and justice amidst adversity.
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Nicola's Unexpected Pregnancy
- Nicola Packer discovered she was pregnant unexpectedly during the 2020 November lockdown.
- She obtained abortion pills after a remote consultation, believing she was six weeks pregnant.
Traumatic Late-Term Experience
- Nicola took abortion pills but later passed a 26-week fetus, experiencing trauma and pain.
- She went to hospital with the fetus, initially hiding the pill use out of fear of judgment.
Arrest Following Hospital Admission
- When midwives were told about the abortion medication, police were called and Nicola was arrested in hospital.
- She was treated harshly, being transported in a van without a seatbelt shortly after surgery and childbirth.