Abortion law updates to term

Late fetal development in the third trimester (weeks 28–40) is mainly about rapid growth, organ maturation, and preparation for life outside the womb.

The brain undergoes rapid growth in size and complexity

Development of gyri and sulci (folds) increases surface area

Improved neural connections

Sleep–wake cycles become more regular

Eyes open and close; can respond to light

Hearing is well developed → responds to sounds and voices

Increased coordinated movements:

Kicking, stretching, grasping

Pain perception

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072285/#:~:text=Conversely%2C%20the%20American%20College%20of,1%2C%202%2C%2011).

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33048913/

Utilization of analgesia and anesthesia during fetal surgery began in the early 1980s,

US anesthesiology and fetal therapy consensus statement in 2021 recommends administration of fetal anesthesia in all invasive maternal-fetal procedures.

Lungs mature significantly

Increased production of surfactant (reduces alveolar collapse)

By ~34–36 weeks, lungs are usually capable of supporting breathing

Practice breathing movements occur (though no air is inhaled)

Heart is fully formed and functioning

Circulation is adapted to fetal life (e.g., ductus arteriosus still open)

Prepares for transition at birth when fetal shunts close

Rapid weight gain (most of it occurs now)

Fat deposition under the skin:

Helps with temperature regulation after birth

Skin becomes:

Less wrinkled

More opaque

Lanugo (fine hair) begins to disappear

Skin and Coverings

Nails grow to fingertips

Hair on the scalp becomes thicker

Swallowing amniotic fluid regularly

Meconium (first stool) accumulates in intestines

Liver stores glycogen for energy after birth

Transfer of maternal antibodies (IgG) increases:

Provides passive immunity after birth

Fetus often settles into a head-down (cephalic) position near term

Size by Term (around 40 weeks)

Weight: ~3–4 kg

Length: ~48–52 cm

Current UK law

Continuation of the 24-week time limit and the 10-week limit on telemedicine,

agreed by Parliament in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic

New law

Remove the threat of police investigation, arrest, or prison for women ending their own pregnancy