File on 4 Investigates - Abortion on Trial: The Nicola Packer Story

Download Abortion on Trial: The Nicola Packer Story

Nicola Packer went to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for help after she delivered a 26-week-old foetus in her bathroom. But she was reported to the police - and arrested as she lay in bed recovering from major surgery. She was then escorted to a waiting police van and forced to spend the night in a police cell. File on 4 Investigates hears her story and reveals how, behind the scenes of the investigation, police had serious concerns over her controversial arrest. She believed she was only six weeks pregnant when she took abortion medication during lockdown - but she was prosecuted anyway. Her ordeal lasted nearly half a decade and, she says, it has had life-changing consequences for her. The case has also led to renewed calls from MP's and health professionals for a change in the law.

Reporter: Kate West Producer: Anna Meisel Assistant producers: Jim Booth and Ben Robinson Techincal producer: Richard Hannaford :Production coordinator: Tim Fernley Editor: Carl Johnston

Published on Tuesday, 27th May 2025.

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