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12/11/2012
Pro-Choice Rally Held Over Marie Stopes
A pro-choice rally has been held in Belfast city centre over the weekend following the opening of the first private clinic to offer abortions in Northern Ireland.
The Marie Stopes clinic opened in the city in October, amid a storm of pro-life protests.
Pro-choice campaigners assembled outside City Hall, where they were addressed by speakers calling for the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland. Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland is currently not covered by the Act.
It is illegal in Northern Ireland to have an abortion, unless the mother’s physical or mental health is at risk.
It has been argued by anti-abortion campaigners that the new clinic will pave the way for open, unregulated abortions in Northern Ireland. Marie Stopes has said the clinic will be operating within Northern Irish law, while Edwin Poots confirmed in October the Health Department would be regulating the service.
The rally at the weekend also called for Attorney General John Larkin to resign over what it described as his "elitist and sexist" intervention in the abortion debate.
Larkin called for an investigation into the new clinic when it first opened. He wrote 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.
(IT/GK)
The Marie Stopes clinic opened in the city in October, amid a storm of pro-life protests.
Pro-choice campaigners assembled outside City Hall, where they were addressed by speakers calling for the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland. Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland is currently not covered by the Act.
It is illegal in Northern Ireland to have an abortion, unless the mother’s physical or mental health is at risk.
It has been argued by anti-abortion campaigners that the new clinic will pave the way for open, unregulated abortions in Northern Ireland. Marie Stopes has said the clinic will be operating within Northern Irish law, while Edwin Poots confirmed in October the Health Department would be regulating the service.
The rally at the weekend also called for Attorney General John Larkin to resign over what it described as his "elitist and sexist" intervention in the abortion debate.
Larkin called for an investigation into the new clinic when it first opened. He wrote 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.
(IT/GK)
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23 August 2016
Some NI Marie Stopes Services Suspended
Some abortion services at the Belfast clinic of Marie Stopes International have been suspended. It is understood the services apply for women under the age of 18, as well as those who are vulnerable. Terminations under general anaesthetic have also been stopped.
Some NI Marie Stopes Services Suspended
Some abortion services at the Belfast clinic of Marie Stopes International have been suspended. It is understood the services apply for women under the age of 18, as well as those who are vulnerable. Terminations under general anaesthetic have also been stopped.
15 October 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.
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.
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.
18 October 2016
Almost Three Quarters Of People Support Changes To Abortion Laws
Almost three quarters of people in Northern Ireland support changes to abortion laws, according to a new poll published by Amnesty International. The results revealed support for abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the foetus will not survive outside the womb.
Almost Three Quarters Of People Support Changes To Abortion Laws
Almost three quarters of people in Northern Ireland support changes to abortion laws, according to a new poll published by Amnesty International. The results revealed support for abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the foetus will not survive outside the womb.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
