London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for an immediate review of Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to block adverts supporting the decriminalisation of abortion, amid growing public backlash and pressure from campaigners.
The adverts, commissioned by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), were designed to highlight real stories of women in England and Wales who faced police investigation or prosecution following pregnancy loss or termination.
The campaign urges the public to contact their MPs ahead of a key vote in Parliament on abortion law reform.
Although the campaign received approval from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), TfL declined to run the posters, citing concerns that the adverts could bring the Metropolitan Police into disrepute.
A TfL spokesperson claimed the adverts breached advertising policies by making “negative references about the police”.
This has sparked controversy, especially as TfL has previously approved similar pro-choice material.
In the past, ads stating “abortion is healthcare, not a crime”, supported by groups such as Doctors for Choice and Abortion Talk, were displayed on London buses.
Additionally, content promoting assisted dying by Dignity in Dying has appeared across the transport network, including Westminster Underground station.
Mayor Khan, who chairs TfL, is now intervening, with sources close to him confirming he is demanding a swift re-evaluation of the decision.
“Women’s voices must be heard,” the source stated, underscoring the importance of open political discourse around reproductive rights.
BPAS Chief Executive Heidi Stewart criticised TfL’s move, calling it a suppression of critical stories.
“This campaign was launched to support MP Tonia Antoniazzi’s proposed amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. It’s imperative that Parliament hears the voices of women harmed by current abortion laws,” Stewart said.
The amendment seeks to remove abortion from the criminal code in England and Wales. It has gained wide backing from charities, trade unions, and medical bodies including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Labour MP Stella Creasy has also tabled a separate amendment, aiming not only to decriminalise abortion but to enshrine it as a legal human right.
Antoniazzi expressed disbelief over TfL’s original refusal. “The police and CPS have shown they cannot be trusted with abortion law. My amendment NC1 is urgently needed to protect women,” she said, later praising Mayor Khan for stepping in.
Stewart added: “Ahead of the crucial parliamentary vote, it is vital that women’s lived experiences are heard. We urge the Mayor to act swiftly and allow BPAS to share these important stories across the transport network.”
The vote on abortion law reform is expected within weeks, making the outcome of this review especially significant for campaigners and MPs alike.
