Menu
15/10/2012
Poots: Abortion Clinic 'Will Be Regulated'
Health Minister Edwin Poots has said the new controversial Marie Stopes abortion clinic will be regulated.
The Minister was talking on BBC Northern Ireland’s Sunday Politics Show.
He said he was taking legal advice as to how the first private abortion clinic in Northern Ireland should be regulated. Mr Poots confirmed that the new clinic would definitely be regulated in some way.
He said he was seeking clarification as to whether the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority (RQIA) will be able to take responsibility for the regulation.
The Marie Stopes Clinic is due to open in Belfast on 18 October.
"I think it has to be regulated, but it will be regulated one way or the other, either through the police or ourselves, it will be regulated,” the Minister told the BBC.
"But the Department of Health would rather be the organisation, through the RQIA, that's doing the regulation.
"We will confirm very soon whether that is going to be the case immediately or whether it's going to take a little longer to put procedures in place."
The clinic has confirmed it will only be acting within Northern Irish law.
Currently, the rest of the UK is covered by an abortion act. In Northern Ireland, abortions can only be carried out in extreme circumstances in which the mother’s mental or physical well-being are being put at risk by the pregnancy.
Abortions may only be carried out in Northern Ireland during a nine week gestation period.
Women from the Republic of Ireland will also be able to avail of the clinic’s services, providing they meet the legal criteria in Northern Ireland.
(IT/GK)
The Minister was talking on BBC Northern Ireland’s Sunday Politics Show.
He said he was taking legal advice as to how the first private abortion clinic in Northern Ireland should be regulated. Mr Poots confirmed that the new clinic would definitely be regulated in some way.
He said he was seeking clarification as to whether the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority (RQIA) will be able to take responsibility for the regulation.
The Marie Stopes Clinic is due to open in Belfast on 18 October.
"I think it has to be regulated, but it will be regulated one way or the other, either through the police or ourselves, it will be regulated,” the Minister told the BBC.
"But the Department of Health would rather be the organisation, through the RQIA, that's doing the regulation.
"We will confirm very soon whether that is going to be the case immediately or whether it's going to take a little longer to put procedures in place."
The clinic has confirmed it will only be acting within Northern Irish law.
Currently, the rest of the UK is covered by an abortion act. In Northern Ireland, abortions can only be carried out in extreme circumstances in which the mother’s mental or physical well-being are being put at risk by the pregnancy.
Abortions may only be carried out in Northern Ireland during a nine week gestation period.
Women from the Republic of Ireland will also be able to avail of the clinic’s services, providing they meet the legal criteria in Northern Ireland.
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
20 March 2002
The Eye Clinic creates jobs for Belfast
The Eye Clinic has opened its first branch in Northern Ireland, creating 18 new jobs for Belfast. The optometry chain, which is a part of the Health Clinic Group, has opened a two-storey practice in Donegall Place as part of a nationwide expansion plan, which has also seen new clinics open in London and Norwich.
The Eye Clinic creates jobs for Belfast
The Eye Clinic has opened its first branch in Northern Ireland, creating 18 new jobs for Belfast. The optometry chain, which is a part of the Health Clinic Group, has opened a two-storey practice in Donegall Place as part of a nationwide expansion plan, which has also seen new clinics open in London and Norwich.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
