In their recommendations they recognise our current legal problems and propose:
“Introduce, as an interim measure, a moratorium on the application of criminal laws concerning abortion, and cease all related arrests, investigations and criminal prosecutions, including of women seeking post-abortion care and healthcare professionals; “
The situation in Northern Ireland constitutes violence against women - CEDAW Inquiry
CEDAW Finds Human Rights Breaches by UK Government
Report on inquiry welcomed by Alliance for Choice
The UK violates the rights of women in Northern Ireland by unduly restricting their access to abortion, a UN expert committee has found.
In a report published today, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) says thousands of women and girls in Northern Ireland are subjected to grave and systematic violations of rights through being compelled to either travel outside Northern Ireland to procure a legal abortion or to carry their pregnancy to term.
Department of Health Abortion Figures Jan 2018
Many still have to seek abortion healthcare in England, despite qualifying in NI.
© E Campbell Alliance for Choice
Alliance for Choice have noted that the Department of Health released figures on the Northern Ireland termination of pregnancy statistics this week for 2016/17 and confirmed that 13 terminations were carried out under Northern Ireland’s strict guidelines.
Co-Chair Emma Campbell commented; “We are concerned that women and pregnant people who qualify for treatment here are still being forced to travel. This is due to the lack of access to appropriate NHS services in Northern Ireland, coupled with the unwillingness of the Department of Health to provide clear and concise pathways to abortion care.
What if I need an abortion now?
There was an incredible step forward for women and abortion seekers in Northern Ireland in October;
The Department for Women and Equalities announced that they would cover the cost of abortions for NI women and pregnant people, and travel and accommodation for those who meet the criteria. The Central Booking System is not up and running yet however so we have put together a few Questions and Answers for what to do until it is.
The Department for Women and Equalities announced that they would cover the cost of abortions for NI women and pregnant people, and travel and accommodation for those who meet the criteria. The Central Booking System is not up and running yet however so we have put together a few Questions and Answers for what to do until it is.
Legal challenge to Northern Ireland’s abortion law to begin in Supreme Court
Rally for Choice, Belfast. October 14th 2017. credit Emma Campbell
The Supreme Court in London will tomorrow hear a case being brought by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) who will state that the current NI abortion law with regards to cases of rape, incest, or serious foetal anomaly is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Currently, abortion is unlawful in Northern Ireland unless it is necessary to preserve the life of the woman, carrying a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment. In 2015/16, just 16 abortions were performed in Northern Ireland, which together with the previous year represents the lowest number on record. In 2015, 833 women from Northern Ireland travelled to England for abortion care.