Battle lines have been drawn as MPs prepare to debate controversial changes to the law on abortion which critics say could allow terminations up to birth.

MPs Stella Creasy and Tonia Antoniazzi have both drawn up measures to prevent being prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy, with the Speaker expected to choose at least one for a vote on Tuesday. The measures, which would amend the Government's and Bill, would "decriminalise" abortion.

Existing rules which allow abortions up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy would remain but the proposed changes mean it would no longer be possible to bring criminal proceedings against any woman ending her own pregnancy at any time.

Ms Creasy's proposal would also mean that charges could not be brought against third parties such as healthcare professionals who assist in providing abortions.

But opponents, such as Conservative MP Rebecca Paul, said: "Decriminalising abortion up to birth does not protect women. It does the opposite."

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