Northern Ireland’s Abortion Laws Are Archaic – But The Fight Isn’t Over
Today’s ruling is a hard-won victory for women. Now, we need to confine these cruel laws to history, writes BPAS’ Katherine O’Brien.
By Katherine O'Brien
03/10/2019
On Thursday a ruling from the High Court in Belfast has confirmed what campaigners, healthcare providers, and the women of Northern Ireland have known for years – that the country’s archaic, cruel abortion law is in breach of the UK’s human rights commitments.
This is a hard-won victory. Sarah Ewart is a young mother who had to travel to England for an abortion after receiving the devastating diagnosis that her baby would not survive outside the womb. Sarah has spent years in and out of court in order to challenge the near-total abortion ban which does not permit abortion in cases of fatal foetal anomaly. The ruling on Thursday that the current ban is in breach of her human rights is a testament to her bravery and courage.