The introduction of the 1967 Abortion Act into Northern Ireland would be a disaster for our young people and society at large. In all of the media discussions to date, the focus has been on equality of access for women without taking into account the real impact that this law would have on our society.

With the wide access to abortion up to 24 weeks in England, Wales and Scotland, the statistics to date, never mind the impact on young people and families, make for sober reading. That is without even commenting on the moral and ethical issues around the life in the womb.

Our work in Love for Life is focussed on the holistic development of young people, is relationship focused, and seeks to equip young people to deal with the many pressures they face in today's modern culture. We also work closely with parents, families and local communities.

For a young person under 16, under the 1967 Abortion Act, abortion is available without parental consent or even knowledge. Official figures for England and Wales show that the number of abortions among girls under the age of 16 rose in 2007 by 10 per cent on the previous year to 4,376. In the past decade the number of abortions among under 16s has risen by 27 per cent.

Will the introduction of such legislation in Northern Ireland produce a better and more caring society in general? What will be the implications for our children, young people and families?

The debate is much wider than just rights and equality. The full implications for children, young people, women and family must be debated at Stormont rather than Westminster, where the voices of many in Northern Ireland are currently not being heard.

Dr Richard Barr
Chief Executive Officer, Love for Life