Abortion: New laws come into force in Northern Ireland

Abortion: New laws come into force in Northern Ireland
Significant changes to NI's abortion laws have come into force.

Mar 31, 2020

Terminations can be carried out in all circumstances in the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy.

After that abortions are legal in some cases - for example, there is no term limit in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities.

Robin Swann is "urgently reviewing" arrangements to allow women to access free abortion services in England, in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

31.03.2020

NI to offer unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks

NI to offer unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks

By Jayne McCormack, BBC News NI Political Reporter
25 March 2020

Abortions in Northern Ireland can take place in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy "without conditionality", under new laws soon to be in force.

Terminations will be permitted beyond 12 weeks in a number of other circumstances, with no time limit in cases of a fatal foetal abnormality.

Abortion: NIO to launch campaign on abortion law

By Mark Devenport, BBC News NI Political Editor
1 October 2019

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is planning to launch an awareness campaign related to the likely change in the law on abortion.

NI law will change if the power-sharing executive at Stormont is not restored by 21 October.

The awareness campaign is expected to launch early next month.