She helped her 15 year old get an abortion. Now she’s facing charges in Northern Ireland

She helped her 15 year old get an abortion. Now she's facing charges in Northern Ireland

By Haley Ott
June 26, 2019

London -- A woman is facing criminal charges in Northern Ireland for getting her 15-year-old daughter abortion pills to end an unwanted pregnancy in 2013. The woman's lawyer says the police were alerted after the daughter, who was in an abusive relationship, told a therapist she had taken the pills. The woman's legal team is challenging the prosecution.

Abortion is against the law in Northern Ireland except when a pregnant woman's health is at risk of permanent harm. There are no exceptions in cases of rape or incest. Women who have illegal abortions can face up to life in prison if caught, and medical professionals are required to report anyone who has had one to the authorities.

Continued: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/abortion-northern-ireland-mother-of-15-year-old-facing-criminal-charges/


N. Ireland – Abortion pills: Judgement reserved in judicial review

Abortion pills: Judgement reserved in judicial review

By Catherine Smyth, BBC News NI
7 November 2018

Judgment has been reserved in a judicial review brought by a woman being prosecuted for buying her then 15-year-old daughter abortion pills.

Lawyers for the mother and daughter, who have been granted anonymity, argued the PPS decision to bring criminal charges breaches their human rights.

The woman could face up to a five-year jail term if convicted.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-46127488


N. Ireland – Girl ‘taken from classroom to be questioned by police over abortion pills’

Girl ‘taken from classroom to be questioned by police over abortion pills’
The teenager’s mother is taking a judicial review against the decision to charge her for procuring the medication online.

November 6 2018

A Northern Ireland schoolgirl whose mother is facing prosecution for buying her abortion pills was taken from a classroom by police officers and spoken to about the alleged crime without her parents being present, a court has heard.

A barrister for the mother outlined the circumstances of the case as she urged judges to rule that her looming prosecution is in contravention of human rights laws.

Continued: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/girl-taken-from-classroom-to-be-questioned-by-police-over-abortion-pills-37497844.html


N.Ireland – Abortion pills prosecution could have ‘chilling effect’

Abortion pills prosecution could have 'chilling effect'

By Catherine Smyth, BBC News NI
6 November 2018

The decision to prosecute a woman accused of buying abortion pills for her 15-year-old daughter could have a "chilling effect" on woman and girls in a similar situation, a court has heard.

A lawyer representing the Northern Irish woman made the comments at the High Court in Belfast. The woman is challenging the decision to prosecute her.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-46099973


Northern Ireland: woman who bought abortion pills for daughter in court to challenge prosecution

Northern Ireland: woman who bought abortion pills for daughter in court to challenge prosecution

5 Nov 2018
Amnesty International

Mother could face a criminal trial and up to 5 years in prison

‘The fear and pain of it all. I feel like I am not allowed to move on’ – mother speaks out

This is the first-time a prosecution relating to Northern Ireland’s restrictive abortion law has been challenged

Continued: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/northern-ireland-woman-who-bought-abortion-pills-daughter-court-challenge-1