Jim Allister: There is a ‘shameful’ lack of abortion publicity with terminations nearly equal to Covid-19 deaths

Mr Allister obtained the abortion figure thanks to an Assembly question to health minister Robin Swann.

The TUV understands that it covers all abortions performed by the NHS in the Province from the point when the law was relaxed on March 31, up until October 14.

The number of coronavirus-linked deaths recorded by the Department of Health today stands at 724.

Mr Allister said: “We’re all rightly concerned about the suffering and death caused by the pandemic in NI and across our nation, with every death a tragic loss for families.

“There is, however, another deadly threat to the lives of the youngest, most innocent and venerable which shamefully is not receiving anything like the same attention.”

These 719 abortions represent “lives snuffed out deliberately” he said, adding: “What a contrast – medical professionals strive desperately to save lives, while others abort lives!”

The 719 abortions over a period of six-and-a-half months may appear comparatively high at first glance.

For example, government figures show that during the whole of 2018, 1,053 NI women travelled to England or Wales for abortions.

However, it is likely that this 1,053 number does not reflect the true amount of terminations.

For instance, it does not cover any abortions carried out in Scotland.

And importantly, none of the figures here include home abortions carried out using self-obtained pills – which do not get registered at all.

To complicate matters further, there is no solid figure for NI Covid deaths either. The Department of Health’s 724 figure is eclipsed by the NI Statistics and Research Agency figure of 972 up to October 23.

Mr Allister also lamented the fact he had submitted a range of other questions about abortion, which remain unanswered – weeks after they were meant to be.

READ MORE ON THIS SUBJECT:

CLICK HERE: Government ushers in abortion up to point of birth in Northern Ireland

CLICK HERE: Abortion up until birth ‘technically possible’ says medical body leader – but extremely unlikely

CLICK HERE: Health department warns of ‘risks to women’ over DIY abortions

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