Attorney General Calls For Abortion Inquiry

The Northern Ireland Attorney General has called for an investigation into the controversial new abortion clinic opening in Belfast this morning.

John Larkin has demanded an inquiry into the Marie Stopes clinic which opened today and which has become the first ever private clinic in Northern Ireland to offer abortions.

The clinic has seen groups of pro-life protesters outside its doors this morning as it prepares to open for the first time.

But Marie Stopes has confirmed it will only be operating within the strict legal framework of Northern Irish law.

The rest of the UK is covered by an Abortion Act, whereas Northern Ireland is not. In England, Scotland and Wales, abortions may be carried out within 24 weeks, whereas in Northern Ireland, only a nine-week gestation period is allowed.

Abortions in Northern Ireland may only be carried out if there is considered to be substantial risk to the mother’s mental or physical wellbeing caused by the pregnancy.

The law remains vague due to there being no current legislation; only an exception drawn up in 1945 which allows abortions under extreme circumstances.

Attorney General John Larkin is the chief legal advisor to the Stormont executive.

He has written to the Stormont Justice Committee asking for an investigation into the operations of the Belfast clinic.

Mr Larkin is unable to intervene in an official capacity, but as a guardian of the rule of law, he can become engaged.

He said he would be happy to give assistance, including acting as counsel and questioning witnesses on their behalf.

Marie Stopes has said the health professionals in the clinic will be from Northern Ireland and the views of the woman's own GP will be taken into consideration.

Pro-choice campaign group Abortion Rights has welcomed the opening of the clinic.

(IT)