A woman has appeared in court charged with ‘procuring her own miscarriage’.

A 24-year-old, who the Oxford Mail is choosing not to name, is accused of unlawfully administering prescription drug Misoprostol with intent to abort her unborn child in Oxford on January 27 last year.

The unusual charge dates back to the Victorian era. It was brought into law by the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act, which also covers crimes like causing grievous bodily harm.

Appearing before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning via video link from home, the woman, from London, entered no plea to procuring her own miscarriage by use of poison.

The charge is indictable only, meaning it can only be dealt with at the crown court, the magistrates heard.

Her solicitor, Howard Wilson, said the allegation would be denied.

She was granted bail to appear before Oxford Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on April 21.

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