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15/06/2015
Abortion Laws To Be Reviewed At High Court
The Human Rights Commission's (NIHRC) judicial review of the law on abortion in Northern Ireland is to begin at the High Court today, Monday 15 June.
The NIHRC believes the case directly engages the right to be free from torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom from discrimination as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. It is seeking a change in the law so that women and girls in Northern Ireland have the choice of accessing a termination of pregnancy in circumstances of serious malformation of the foetus, rape or incest.
Chief Commissioner Les Allamby commented: "It is appropriate for the Human Rights Commission to take this legal challenge in our own name. We recognise the particular sensitivities of the issue. It is a matter of significant public interest to ensure that the rights of vulnerable women and girls in these situations are protected. It is in everyone's interest that the law is clarified in this area."
Termination of pregnancy is currently available in Northern Ireland if it is necessary to preserve the life of a woman including where there is a risk of a serious and adverse effect on her physical or mental health which is either long term or permanent. It is unlawful to perform a termination of pregnancy unless on these grounds. The punishment is life imprisonment for anyone who unlawfully performs a termination.
The NIHRC applied for a review of the law in February and the hearing is expected to last three days.
(CD)
The NIHRC believes the case directly engages the right to be free from torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom from discrimination as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. It is seeking a change in the law so that women and girls in Northern Ireland have the choice of accessing a termination of pregnancy in circumstances of serious malformation of the foetus, rape or incest.
Chief Commissioner Les Allamby commented: "It is appropriate for the Human Rights Commission to take this legal challenge in our own name. We recognise the particular sensitivities of the issue. It is a matter of significant public interest to ensure that the rights of vulnerable women and girls in these situations are protected. It is in everyone's interest that the law is clarified in this area."
Termination of pregnancy is currently available in Northern Ireland if it is necessary to preserve the life of a woman including where there is a risk of a serious and adverse effect on her physical or mental health which is either long term or permanent. It is unlawful to perform a termination of pregnancy unless on these grounds. The punishment is life imprisonment for anyone who unlawfully performs a termination.
The NIHRC applied for a review of the law in February and the hearing is expected to last three days.
(CD)
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