Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Pregnancy Test via Shutterstock
Abortion

Legal challenge to bring abortion guidelines to Northern Ireland

The Family Planning Association (FPA) has been fighting for 11 years to provide instructions to doctors.

THE HIGH COURT in Belfast will today hear a request for the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) to issue guidelines on abortion services.

The Family Planning Association (FPA) has been fighting for 11 years to have the instructions for doctors and other professionals made available.

Abortion is legal in Northern Ireland but only under very restricted circumstances. The 1967 Abortion Act of Great Britain, which allows for more greater availability of termination services in England and Wales, was not extended to Northern Ireland.

According to the FPA, there are currently “no good practice guidelines to enable clinicians and women to interpret the law”.

“As a result the reality of when an abortion can and cannot take place is not clear.”

Guidelines were issued in 2009 but subsequently revoked because of a further legal challenge by anti-abortion campaigners.

“The current situation is unacceptable,” says acting CEO and director of Northern Ireland FPA Dr Audrey Simpson. “Neither health professionals or women know when an abortion is permissible and this has devastating effects on women’s health and well-being and the standard of care professionals are able to give them.”

The Department of Health is committed to preparing a document on the issue but only if it is “fit for purpose”, said Health Minister Edwin Poots.

In a statement, the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (Spuc) said the legal action showed the FPA’s frustration “at its own lack of success in winning support for its agenda”.

“In trying to force the Department of Health to publish guidelines the FPA is actually attempting to medicalise the issue of abortion. The law, however, is perfectly clear and requires no guidance.”

The High Court hearing is expected to last two days.

The situation echoes the situation which is unfolding south of the border, where the government is looking at legislating for the X Case to allow for abortions in certain circumstances.

An Oireachtas committee heard from a number of health professionals, including the Masters of Ireland’s maternity hospitals who for greater legal clarity on the issue of abortion in the Republic of Ireland.

Pro-life group condemns attack on office as ‘grotesque and vile’

Your Voice
Readers Comments
7
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.