Menu
11/10/2012
NI Clinic To Offer Abortions
Next week will see the opening of the first ever private clinic to offer abortions in Northern Ireland.
The service will be operating from the centre of Belfast from 18 October and will be run by Marie Stopes.
Under Northern Irish law, abortions are not completely illegal, but are heavily controlled. They may only be carried out in cases where a pregnancy risks the health or life of a woman.
The termination must be approved by a GP following mental and physical examinations, before nine weeks of gestation.
Marie Stopes, which is a UK based provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services, says it will still be operating within current legislation.
Darinka Aleksic of the Abortion Rights group said women in Northern Ireland were "treated like second-class citizens when it comes to abortion".
"Over 50,000 women have had to make this journey over the past 40 years and it is an injustice that must not be allowed to continue."
But she added: "The opening of this centre will not solve all these problems and the fight for Northern Irish women to have the same rights as women in England, Scotland and Wales has a long way to go. But this is a real step forward."
In England, Wales and Scotland, a 24-week gestation period is allowed, but abortions are still only allowed under similar conditions to those imposed in Northern Ireland.
An anti-abortion group has called for the centre to be shut down.
Bernie Smyth of the pro-life group Precious Life told the BBC she and the group’s members want the centre to be shut down.
Figures for 2011 show that just over 1,000 Northern Irish women travelled to England and Wales for terminations.
(IT)
The service will be operating from the centre of Belfast from 18 October and will be run by Marie Stopes.
Under Northern Irish law, abortions are not completely illegal, but are heavily controlled. They may only be carried out in cases where a pregnancy risks the health or life of a woman.
The termination must be approved by a GP following mental and physical examinations, before nine weeks of gestation.
Marie Stopes, which is a UK based provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services, says it will still be operating within current legislation.
Darinka Aleksic of the Abortion Rights group said women in Northern Ireland were "treated like second-class citizens when it comes to abortion".
"Over 50,000 women have had to make this journey over the past 40 years and it is an injustice that must not be allowed to continue."
But she added: "The opening of this centre will not solve all these problems and the fight for Northern Irish women to have the same rights as women in England, Scotland and Wales has a long way to go. But this is a real step forward."
In England, Wales and Scotland, a 24-week gestation period is allowed, but abortions are still only allowed under similar conditions to those imposed in Northern Ireland.
An anti-abortion group has called for the centre to be shut down.
Bernie Smyth of the pro-life group Precious Life told the BBC she and the group’s members want the centre to be shut down.
Figures for 2011 show that just over 1,000 Northern Irish women travelled to England and Wales for terminations.
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 November 2024
Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey
Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.
Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey
Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.
27 June 2024
New Shankill Shared Women's Centre Opens
The new Shankill Shared Women's Centre, a purpose-built shared women's centre close to the peace wall at Lanark Way in west Belfast, has officially opened. The EU PEACE IV-funded centre will provide a broad range of services and support for women and their families from all community backgrounds.
New Shankill Shared Women's Centre Opens
The new Shankill Shared Women's Centre, a purpose-built shared women's centre close to the peace wall at Lanark Way in west Belfast, has officially opened. The EU PEACE IV-funded centre will provide a broad range of services and support for women and their families from all community backgrounds.
14 November 2003
Equality Commission back joint 'women’s manifesto'
Launched this week in the run up to the Assembly election a women’s manifesto has set out a number of demands in key equality areas that women want the new Assembly to tackle.
Equality Commission back joint 'women’s manifesto'
Launched this week in the run up to the Assembly election a women’s manifesto has set out a number of demands in key equality areas that women want the new Assembly to tackle.
29 June 2017
Govt To Fund Abortions For NI Women
The Government has agreed to fund abortions in England for women travelling from Northern Ireland, the Chancellor announced. Abortions can only be carried out in NI where the life or mental health is the mother is in danger. Philip Hammond made the announcement in the House of Commons after Labour proposed an amendment to the Queen's Speech.
Govt To Fund Abortions For NI Women
The Government has agreed to fund abortions in England for women travelling from Northern Ireland, the Chancellor announced. Abortions can only be carried out in NI where the life or mental health is the mother is in danger. Philip Hammond made the announcement in the House of Commons after Labour proposed an amendment to the Queen's Speech.
14 December 2015
Almost 25,000 Women Travel To England And Wales For Abortion
Almost 25,000 women from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) travelled to England and Wales to have an abortion over the last five years, new data has revealed. The new figures were obtained by Detail Data from the Department of Health in London.
Almost 25,000 Women Travel To England And Wales For Abortion
Almost 25,000 women from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) travelled to England and Wales to have an abortion over the last five years, new data has revealed. The new figures were obtained by Detail Data from the Department of Health in London.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
