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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)
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)
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