Medics can now ‘terminate pregnancies lawfully’ in NI

The new protocols will allow for abortion – for any reason – up to 12 weeks, abortion on grounds of the mother’s wellbeing up to 24, and abortion right up until birth in some other circumstances including disabilities.

In a statement last night, the DoH said the new regulations allow for terminations to be carried out only on health and social care premises.

“The timescale for addressing the necessary administrative and funding approvals required to introduce this service has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” the department said.

“The interim arrangements currently in place involve abortion services continuing to be provided in England, with no costs incurred by local women availing of these services.

“This arrangement has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the severe reduction in travel options.”

The department’s statement added: “The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has written to the department in recent days about this current situation.

“In reply, the department has stated that it has received legal advice that under the regulations, registered medical professionals in NI may now terminate pregnancies lawfully.”

There had been some confusion in recent days, with some health trusts claiming they were told by the DoH not to proceed with any temporary measures ahead of clear DoH guidance.

Earlier yesterday, anti-abortion campaigners had called for Health Minister Robin Swann to resign rather than implement the new “extremist” abortion regulations in Northern Ireland.

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) said it is “unconscionable” that Mr Swann should “make himself an accomplice in the imposition of this draconian abortion regime” imposed by the UK Government at Westminster.

SPUC spokesman Philip Lynn said: “Northern Ireland now has one of the most extreme abortion regimes in Europe.”

He added: “The abortion regulations published by the London Government lack all legitimacy and should not be implemented at all.”

Bernadette Smyth of the Precious Life group said: “Unborn children are alive, they are human, and they deserve our protection just like women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies.”