Abortion: What does the change in the law mean for NI women?

Abortion: What does the change in the law mean for NI women?

By Hannah Gay, BBC News NI
Oct 22, 2019

A new chapter has been written in the political and social history of Northern Ireland, centred on one of the most sensitive issues and one which continues to divide opinion.

As the clock passed midnight and Monday became Tuesday, abortion was decriminalised in line with Westminster legislation, which said the law would change unless Northern Ireland's devolved government was restored by 21 October.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-50129880

Northern Ireland faces decriminalization of abortion

Northern Ireland faces decriminalization of abortion
The UK region's strict abortion law is set to change after politicians in London stepped in to legislate to end decades of discrimination against British and Irish women there. The legislation dates back to 1861.

Date 20.10.2019
Author Amanda Ferguson (Belfast)

Northern Ireland's abortion legislation is some of the most restrictive in the world and come from the Victorian-era of history. Pro-choice campaigners have for decades pursued legal challenges for them to be changed to respect women's human rights.

The 1967 Abortion Act in Britain, allowing for abortion up to 24 weeks in the rest of the United Kingdom, was never extended to Northern Ireland.

Continued: https://www.dw.com/en/northern-ireland-faces-decriminalization-of-abortion/a-50890268

Northern Ireland Is About to Reform Its Abortion Law – Now What?

Northern Ireland Is About to Reform Its Abortion Law – Now What?
If its government doesn't reconvene by October 21st, its draconian law will be tossed out the window. Activists are counting down the days.

by Mary McGill
18 October 2019

With just a few days to go until October 21st, it is almost certain that Northern Ireland’s draconian law against abortion will be reformed. The political situation in Northern Ireland is complex. The region’s devolved government has been suspended for over two years. For campaigners fighting for equal rights issues like abortion, this stalemate has been frustrating.

That is, until July of this year, when Westminster issued a ruling paving the way for the liberalisation of the region’s abortion legislation, provided Northern Ireland’s government does not reconvene before October 21st. Although there are fears that Boris Johnson will use abortion in Northern Ireland as a bargaining tactic in Brexit negotiations, at this late stage reform is unlikely to be derailed

Continued: https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/mbmkbb/northern-ireland-abortion-law-reform

N. Ireland – Stormont to be recalled after abortion petition

Stormont to be recalled after abortion petition

17 October 2019

Assembly members are set to return to the Stormont chamber for the first time in nearly three years after 31 members signed a petition triggering a recall.

The move was proposed in a last-ditch attempt to stop the reform of Northern Ireland's abortion law.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-50088406

Twice as many care about NI abortion law changes than Irish language act: Poll

Twice as many care about NI abortion law changes than Irish language act: Poll

Published: Monday 14 October 2019

Almost twice as many people in Northern Ireland are more concerned about changes to abortion laws than an Irish language act, a survey has suggested.

The poll, commissioned by anti-abortion campaign group Both Lives Matter, found that 49% of those asked identified the need to safeguard legal protections for the unborn child, up to 28 weeks into pregnancy, as the most compelling reason for Stormont to be restored.

Continued: https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/twice-as-many-care-about-ni-abortion-law-changes-than-irish-language-act-poll-1-9104897

14.10.2019

Criminal Justice Act 1945

N. Ireland – Rally held in protest against abortion law changes

Rally held in protest against abortion law changes
It was described as a ‘sombre occasion’.

By Aoife Moore, PA
October 13 2019

A rally in protest of possible upcoming abortion law changes has been held in Belfast.

The gathering, organised by anti-abortion group Both Lives matter was described by organisers as “a cross-community, inter-generational, and peaceful” event, was held to demonstrate opposition to Westminster’s soon to be imposed abortion law changes in Northern Ireland.

A law tabled by Labour MP Stella Creasy, changing the current legislation on abortion and marriage equality will be implemented in Northern Ireland on October 21 if the main Stormont parties cannot resolve the outstanding deadlock in the Assembly.

Continued: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/rally-held-in-protest-against-abortion-law-changes-38589709.html

13.10.2019

NI abortion: Guidelines issued ahead of 21 October deadline

8 October 2019

The government has published guidance for healthcare professionals on abortion law in Northern Ireland.

The new guidelines cover the period from 22 October to 31 March 2020.

They set out what will happen following changes to the law after 21 October, if the NI Executive is not restored.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-49965339

DUP leader joins anti-abortion protest at Stormont

DUP leader joins anti-abortion protest at Stormont
Protest held against plan for Westminster to legislate for abortion in the North

Sep 6, 2019
Freya McClements

DUP leader Arlene Foster was among thousands of people who took part in a silent protest outside the North’s Parliament Buildings at Stormont to show their opposition to the planned legalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland.

The North’s former first minister said she was “joining thousands of people from across all backgrounds tonight, to stand together and defend the rights of the unborn child. Both lives matter”.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dup-leader-joins-anti-abortion-protest-at-stormont-1.4010428

N.Ireland – Efforts to bring abortion to North ‘insidious,’ says Foster

Efforts to bring abortion to North ‘insidious,’ says Foster
DUP leader says renewed effort to bring in same sex marriage likely to succeed

July 21, 2019
Gerry Moriarty

Efforts to bring in abortion legislation through the Northern Ireland Bill currently making its way through Westminster were “insidious”, the DUP leader Arlene Foster said on Sunday.

Under the Bill, same sex marriage and a more liberal abortion regime would be introduced to Northern Ireland unless the Northern Executive and Assembly, which has been suspended for more than two-and-a-half years, was restored by October 21st this year.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/efforts-to-bring-abortion-to-north-insidious-says-foster-1.3963079

MPs vote to extend abortion and same-sex marriage rights to Northern Ireland

MPs vote to extend abortion and same-sex marriage rights to Northern Ireland
Westminster government has said it will honour both results despite ministerial doubts

Peter Walker, and Rory Carroll in Dublin
Tue 9 Jul 2019

MPs have voted resoundingly to extend same-sex marriage and access to abortion to Northern Ireland, bringing the region into line with the rest of the UK on the two significant social issues.

The two historic votes, arriving within little more than a quarter of an hour of each other, were greeted ecstatically by equalities campaigners. With ministers promising to respect the results, they could have vital repercussions for people in Northern Ireland.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/09/mps-vote-to-extend-same-sex-marriage-to-northern-ireland