09/08/2018

NI Women To Access Abortion Services In Ireland

The Irish Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has made a commitment to allow Northern Irish women to access abortion services in Ireland.

Minister Harris made the commitment during his appearance at Feile an Phobail in Belfast.

Abortion was legalised in Britain in 1967, but remains illegal in Northern Ireland.

In May, Ireland voted to change its abortion legislation in a referendum. From 01 January, 2019, abortion up to 12 weeks will be legal in Ireland.

Speaking at Feile an Phobail, Minister Harris highlighted that in 2017 more than 900 Northern Irish women travelled to Britain to access abortion services and said he hoped it was an issue NI politicians would address.

He added: "Whilst I respect the issue of abortion laws in Northern Ireland is a matter for public representatives in Northern Ireland, I really hope this is addressed in the near future.

"In the meantime, I intend to ensure women from Northern Ireland can access such services in the Republic, just like they can access other health services here."

(MH/CM)


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 July 2021
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
22 April 2024
Views Sought from Public On Review Of Civil Legal Services
The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation, calling for views to inform a review of civil legal services in Northern Ireland.
08 October 2019
Abortion Law: Guidance Published For Healthcare Professionals
The Government has published guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland ahead of potential abortion law reforms. Legislation passed in July obliged the UK Government to relax the strict local abortion laws if power sharing at Stormont is not restored by 21 October.
18 October 2016
Almost Three Quarters Of People Support Changes To Abortion Laws
Almost three quarters of people in Northern Ireland support changes to abortion laws, according to a new poll published by Amnesty International. The results revealed support for abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the foetus will not survive outside the womb.
19 May 2022
UK Govt To Ensure Abortion Services Are Commissioned In NI
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, will today (Thursday 19 May) take further legislative steps to ensure abortion services are commissioned for women and girls in Northern Ireland.