30/11/2015

Legal Challenge On NI Strict Abortion Laws Successful

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has welcomed the landmark ruling to ease the abortion laws in NI.

The NIHRC brought the challenge to Belfast's High Court to allow women to have the choice of a termination in circumstances of fatal foetal abnormalities, rape or incest.

NIHRC Chief Commissioner Les Allamby said: "We are pleased that today the High Court has held that the current law is incompatible with human rights and has ruled in the Commission’s favour.

"Today's result is historic, and will be welcomed by many of the vulnerable women and girls who have been faced with these situations. It was important for the Commission to take this challenge in its own name, in order to protect women and girls in Northern Ireland and we are delighted with the result."

(CD/MH)

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