UK: Weakened Tories forced into Northern Ireland abortion u-turn

Weakened Tories forced into Northern Ireland abortion u-turn

Sarah Sachs-Eldridge, Socialist Party national organizer
July 4, 2017

Thursday 29 June 2017 saw a significant step forward for women in Northern Ireland (NI). Funding to cover the financial costs for them to access abortions in England was pledged by the Tory minority government.

The Tories' 'supply and confidence' deal with the ten DUP MPs turned a spotlight on Northern Irish politics. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act that introduced free, legal abortion for women in England, Wales and Scotland within certain limitations. It was understood by those who fought for this legislation that women should have the right to choose when and whether to have children and that the right to an abortion is a life or death issue. But no major party in NI supports extending it there.

Continued at source: Socialist Party: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/955/25805/05-07-2017/weakened-tories-forced-into-northern-ireland-abortion-u-turn

The highs and lows of one hectic day in Northern Ireland’s abortion struggle

The highs and lows of one hectic day in Northern Ireland’s abortion struggle

July 2, 2017 12.28pm EDT
Marie Fox and Sheelagh McGuinness

The deal struck by the Democratic Unionist Party to prop up Theresa May’s Conservative minority government in London has led to unprecedented interest in the politics of Northern Ireland.

This interest intensified on June 29, when several key developments in the debate around access to abortion occurred at once.

Continued at source: The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/the-highs-and-lows-of-one-hectic-day-in-northern-irelands-abortion-struggle-80238

Northern Ireland women to get free abortions in England

Northern Ireland women to get free abortions in England

29 June 2017
Women from Northern Ireland will be able to get free abortions in England, the government has said.

More than 50 MPs from the major parties had backed a Labour-led call for the women to have access to NHS abortions in England. They currently have to pay.

The BBC's political editor said ministers made the concession because it appeared some Tory MPs might back the call, risking a possible defeat.

Continued at link: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-40438390