Abortion medication in Northern Ireland

Many of you have contacted me about the woman who has been charged for purchasing abortion medication on behalf of her daughter in Northern Ireland.

I understand that this is a very distressing case and one that has resulted because of abortion law in Northern Ireland which is different to the rest of the UK.

Unfortunately, this is a devolved issue and one that the Government in Westminster has no jurisdiction over. It is therefore up to the people of Northern Ireland and their elected representatives in Stormont to address the need for change.

I know that the Northern Irish Justice Minister, David Ford, has sought to raise the debate about abortion and following a consultation last autumn, the Department for Justice recommended a change to Northern Ireland’s abortion law, allowing terminations in fatal foetal abnormality cases. I certainly appreciate, however, that there is still a long way to go before women are allowed the same choices they would have if they lived here in England.

 

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Matt and representatives on his behalf may contact you about matters relating to his work as MP for Boston and Skegness