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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
