MLA's Vote Against Abortion In Cases Of Fatal Foetal Abnormality

NI Assembly Members have voted against abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality.

The proposal, which would have allowed a termination to be carried out if an unborn child has a terminal condition, or where sexual crime has been committed, was defeated by 59 votes to 40.

Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane, who voted in favour, said: "Sinn Féin is opposed to the extension of the 1967 Act to the North of Ireland, however, we believe that in cases of rape, or sexual crime or when a pregnant woman's life is in danger, the option of termination should be available. 

"The DUP has said they are supporting a commission which will report in six months. However, we feel this does not go far enough as it does not address the plight of women in the here and now who are pregnant as a result of rape or women who are faced with fatal foetal abnormalities. 

"I believe that the public are ahead of the politicians on this issue and are in favour of changes to the law on these narrow grounds."

In a statement the DUP said: "We believe that this issue should best be dealt with in a measured way rather than in haste and without the benefit of appropriate scrutiny. Rushed law can often turn out to be bad law.

"Indeed we understand that the Attorney General has concerns about these amendments. This justice bill was not intended for this purpose. The party will therefore oppose the various amendments on this issue.

"I have asked the Minister of Health, by the end of February, to establish a working group including clinicians in this field and legally qualified persons to make recommendations as to how the issue of fatal foetal abnormality can be addressed including, if necessary, draft legislation.

"We would expect that they would consult with interested parties including those who have been affected."

Alliance MLA Mr Stewart Dickson said: "It was disingenuous for people to claim proper consultation was needed, when the Department of Justice did this extensively in 2014," he said.

"The creation of a working group on the issue by the DUP conveniently gets the party past the election too. They, other parties and many political representatives made promises to help Sarah Ewart and others who have suffered heartbreaking conditions, so no more women would have to suffer similarly. Yet last night they broke those promises. It is up to them to reflect upon that and make peace with their consciences."

(CD/JP)