15/11/2018

NI Women Will Soon Be Able To Access Abortions In Ireland

The Irish Health Minister has confirmed that new legislation is being introduced to allow women from Northern Ireland to access abortion services in the Republic of Ireland.

Simon Harris said he believed his government had a responsibility to provide the service.

Abortion is currently illegal in Northern Ireland in all but the most extreme cases.

On average, 28 women a week travel to England for terminations.

Following the successful abortion referendum in May 2018, in which Ireland voted to end its ban, campaigns for legalised terminations in the north have been accelerated.

A bill is currently progressing through the Irish Parliament to formally legalise abortion and is expected to take effect in January.

Last month an amendment to a Secretary of State bill, tabled by Labour MPs Stella Creasy and Conor McGinnn called on Mrs Bradley to issue guidance on abortion law in Northern Ireland. The amendment was passed in the House of Commons.

Women from Northern Ireland will be charged if they wish to access abortions in the Republic of Ireland. They are currently available for free on the NHS in the rest of the UK.



(JG/MH)

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