15/12/2021
Alliance Welcomes Executive Rejection Of DUP Abortion Bill Restrictions
Alliance has welcomed a decision by the Executive to reject a DUP Private Member's Bill which aimed to restrict women's right to choose.
Welcoming the decision as a "significant day for trusting women" South Belfast MLA, Paula Bradshaw, said: "This was a highly sensitive Bill but ultimately it contained one clause other than its commencement date, and that clause was about restricting access to abortion.
"The Bill ran contrary to international human rights standards, contrary to the existing law of Northern Ireland, and most of all contrary to the interests of women. It would have created not just further blockage but also further disparity in women's ability to access abortion services.
"This is the first time the devolved legislature in Northern Ireland has voted clearly in favour of the woman's right to choose, recognising pregnant women in conjunction with health professionals are the best people to determine whether and how to proceed with pregnancy.
"I would like to thank all those organisations and individuals who came to me and my office with support and advice, particularly at the outset when those opposing the Bill were so small in number. Their advocacy has made a huge difference. Together, we made a democratic case before the Assembly from March onwards, and it has resulted in a Bill which initially enjoyed comfortable support being overturned. This is a great example of how democratic persuasion and rational argument can win the day.
"This should not stop us either from pursuing many of the issues around disability rights and stigmatisation which were and continue to be legitimately raised by campaigners. Ultimately, however, this was about trying to restrict the woman's right to choose and it is right that this attempt was defeated.
"This is a remarkable day. It is the day from which we can now say clearly we in Northern Ireland trust women."
Welcoming the decision as a "significant day for trusting women" South Belfast MLA, Paula Bradshaw, said: "This was a highly sensitive Bill but ultimately it contained one clause other than its commencement date, and that clause was about restricting access to abortion.
"The Bill ran contrary to international human rights standards, contrary to the existing law of Northern Ireland, and most of all contrary to the interests of women. It would have created not just further blockage but also further disparity in women's ability to access abortion services.
"This is the first time the devolved legislature in Northern Ireland has voted clearly in favour of the woman's right to choose, recognising pregnant women in conjunction with health professionals are the best people to determine whether and how to proceed with pregnancy.
"I would like to thank all those organisations and individuals who came to me and my office with support and advice, particularly at the outset when those opposing the Bill were so small in number. Their advocacy has made a huge difference. Together, we made a democratic case before the Assembly from March onwards, and it has resulted in a Bill which initially enjoyed comfortable support being overturned. This is a great example of how democratic persuasion and rational argument can win the day.
"This should not stop us either from pursuing many of the issues around disability rights and stigmatisation which were and continue to be legitimately raised by campaigners. Ultimately, however, this was about trying to restrict the woman's right to choose and it is right that this attempt was defeated.
"This is a remarkable day. It is the day from which we can now say clearly we in Northern Ireland trust women."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
Asda Supports National Autistic Society's Annual Easter Events
Asda Larne has announce its support for the National Autistic Society's annual Easter egg hunt and family event. The supermarket has supported the event with a donation of Easter eggs and will form part of the charity's Easter event for families with autistic children and will include a fun Easter egg hunt for all members of the family to enjoy.
Asda Supports National Autistic Society's Annual Easter Events
Asda Larne has announce its support for the National Autistic Society's annual Easter egg hunt and family event. The supermarket has supported the event with a donation of Easter eggs and will form part of the charity's Easter event for families with autistic children and will include a fun Easter egg hunt for all members of the family to enjoy.
26 March 2024
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
02 February 2024
Alliance Calls For Swifter Implementation On Gynaecological Services
Alliance has urged for swifter implementation of gynaecological services in Northern Ireland. Although welcoming the recommendations in the "Getting It Right First Time" report on gynaecology across Northern Ireland, Alliance Health representatives have warned that implementation is already lagging.
Alliance Calls For Swifter Implementation On Gynaecological Services
Alliance has urged for swifter implementation of gynaecological services in Northern Ireland. Although welcoming the recommendations in the "Getting It Right First Time" report on gynaecology across Northern Ireland, Alliance Health representatives have warned that implementation is already lagging.
01 February 2024
Alliance Calls For Drug Consumption Rooms In NI
Alliance has reiterated a call for drug consumption rooms in Northern Ireland. The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the release of the latest drug misuse deaths figures here.
Alliance Calls For Drug Consumption Rooms In NI
Alliance has reiterated a call for drug consumption rooms in Northern Ireland. The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the release of the latest drug misuse deaths figures here.
31 January 2024
Man Extradited From Poland To NI To Stand Trial For Alleged Child Sex Offences
A 59-year old man that has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland is to stand trial for sexual offences against children today, 31 January. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit extradited the man yesterday, 30 January, ahead of his expected appearance before Downpatrick Crown Court today.
Man Extradited From Poland To NI To Stand Trial For Alleged Child Sex Offences
A 59-year old man that has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland is to stand trial for sexual offences against children today, 31 January. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit extradited the man yesterday, 30 January, ahead of his expected appearance before Downpatrick Crown Court today.