The Analysis of Feminist Theory and Emotional Dimensions in Abortion: A Case Study of the UK’s 1967 Abortion Act

Women’s pursuit of basic reproductive rights, including the right to free abortion, has gone through a long and complicated historical process. While this goal has yet to be fully achieved, relevant legislation in many countries provides safeguards for it, though numerous problems remain. This article examines the UK’s approach, taking the Abortion Act 1967 as an example. Compared to the strict restrictions of the past, this provision relaxed restrictions and reduced penalties for abortion, hailed as a progressive, “woman-centred” measure and a major victory for British women. However, in the context of modern society and the rapid development of medical ethics, this law has gradually revealed its historical limitations and lags, failing to fully respond to the complex demands of today for reproductive justice and bodily autonomy. The issue of abortion involves multiple legal, ethical, moral, medical, and social dimensions, requiring analysis from a multidisciplinary perspective. Therefore, this article attempts to combine feminist theory with “law and emotion” theory to analyse the Abortion Act 1967, exploring its potential insights and contributions to the development of abortion law, aiming to promote a more scientific, rational, and humane approach to abortion law.