Menu
07/07/2003
Courts turn down request for clarity on abortion
A request by the Family Planning Association (FPA) for clarification on abortion law in Northern Ireland has been turned down by the courts.
The FPA has stated that their action is not designed to extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland, but to press the Department of Health into issuing guidelines to clarify the instances when abortion procedures are permitted under existing law.
Mr Justice Brian Kerr ruled against the request on Monday morning, stating that he believed the law as it stood was clear, but advised the Department of Health to consider publishing a guidance framework, even though there is no legal requirement to do so.
The 1967 Abortion Act legalised the procedure in England and Wales, but not in Northern Ireland. The FPA have estimated that in the last 20 years around 40,000 women from Northern Ireland have travelled to the UK for an abortion, paying around £1,000 for the procedure at a private clinic.
There is no official collection of statistics on abortions performed within Northern Ireland, but the procedure can be offered if doctors accept that the life of either foetus or mother is endangered by continuing the pregnancy; if abnormality is detected in the foetus; or if the woman has severe learning difficulties.
(CL)
The FPA has stated that their action is not designed to extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland, but to press the Department of Health into issuing guidelines to clarify the instances when abortion procedures are permitted under existing law.
Mr Justice Brian Kerr ruled against the request on Monday morning, stating that he believed the law as it stood was clear, but advised the Department of Health to consider publishing a guidance framework, even though there is no legal requirement to do so.
The 1967 Abortion Act legalised the procedure in England and Wales, but not in Northern Ireland. The FPA have estimated that in the last 20 years around 40,000 women from Northern Ireland have travelled to the UK for an abortion, paying around £1,000 for the procedure at a private clinic.
There is no official collection of statistics on abortions performed within Northern Ireland, but the procedure can be offered if doctors accept that the life of either foetus or mother is endangered by continuing the pregnancy; if abnormality is detected in the foetus; or if the woman has severe learning difficulties.
(CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2019
Abortion Law: Guidance Published For Healthcare Professionals
The Government has published guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland ahead of potential abortion law reforms. Legislation passed in July obliged the UK Government to relax the strict local abortion laws if power sharing at Stormont is not restored by 21 October.
Abortion Law: Guidance Published For Healthcare Professionals
The Government has published guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland ahead of potential abortion law reforms. Legislation passed in July obliged the UK Government to relax the strict local abortion laws if power sharing at Stormont is not restored by 21 October.
22 July 2021
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
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.
03 October 2019
Local Abortion Law In Breach Of UK Human Rights
Belfast's High Court has ruled that local abortion laws are in breach of the UK's human rights commitments. The ruling comes amid the landmark case of Sarah Ewart, who hailed today's decision a "massive relief".
Local Abortion Law In Breach Of UK Human Rights
Belfast's High Court has ruled that local abortion laws are in breach of the UK's human rights commitments. The ruling comes amid the landmark case of Sarah Ewart, who hailed today's decision a "massive relief".
21 November 2018
Host Of Famous Faces Call For Change In NI's Abortion Law
More than 60 famous women have signed an open letter that calls for Prime Minister Theresa May to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland. It comes as the region's strict rules will come under the spotlight again on Friday 23 November, when a Private Member's Bill on the issue will have its second reading.
Host Of Famous Faces Call For Change In NI's Abortion Law
More than 60 famous women have signed an open letter that calls for Prime Minister Theresa May to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland. It comes as the region's strict rules will come under the spotlight again on Friday 23 November, when a Private Member's Bill on the issue will have its second reading.
-
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.
