Doctor decries ‘irony’ of relaxing abortion rules as government fights to save lives from coronavirus

A practicing medical doctor has decried the new abortion regime for Northern Ireland, saying it is “ironic” it has come at a time when every effort is being made to protect lives against coronavirus.
By Adam Kula
Published 26th Mar 2020, 17:17 BST
An NHS illustration showing a foetus at 41 weeks’ gestation – shortly before full termAn NHS illustration showing a foetus at 41 weeks’ gestation – shortly before full term
An NHS illustration showing a foetus at 41 weeks’ gestation – shortly before full term

Dr Anne McCloskey, a GP and councillor based in Londonderry and an outspoken anti-abortion advocate, made the remarks after the Northern Ireland Office published details of its planned abortion rules on Wednesday.

They allow abortions at any point during pregnancy for foetuses which exhibit “a mental or physical disability which is likely to significantly limit either the length or quality of the child’s life”.

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Abortion up to 24 weeks will be available if it is deemed the birth would harm the mental wellbeing of the mother. No reason need be given for abortions up to 12 weeks.

The details of the new rules, which will come into force on March 31, have enraged a swathe of anti-abortion groups in the UK.

Pro-choice advocates meanwhile have stated that the rules do not go far enough.

Dr McCloskey, the deputy leader of all-Ireland political party Aontu (which is a pro-united Ireland party with a strong anti-abortion stance), said at 12 weeks “the developing baby is complete in all organ systems”.

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She added: Gender selection, disability or even the abortion of a twin will be legal... Up ‘til 24 weeks, abortions will be allowed under health (including mental health) grounds – the reason cited for 98% of abortions in England and Wales today.

“In the past 10 years, no abortion has been refused on these grounds.

“If the baby has the misfortune to have a disability, even a mild one such as a cleft palate, or to have Down’s, or be otherwise imperfect, his or her life will be forfeit ‘til the day of birth.”

She added: “In these days of fear and uncertainty, when so much effort and resources are being rallied in the effort to preserve human life, when a tiny virus makes us realise how ephemeral is our connection with this Earth, it is especially ironic that it is at this point in time that we are planning how to end the lives of individual living human beings.”

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The new rules are coming into force because a bill was passed in Westminster last year saying if Stormont was not restored by October 21, 2019, then London would draw up and impose new, liberalised abortion regulations.

Pro-choice campaigners have complained the rules do not contain provisions for women to take abortion pills (which can be readily obtained over the internet) at home.

Amnesty International’s Grainne Teggart said: “The Government’s decision not to allow women to self-manage abortions at home during the current health crisis is dangerous and puts women at risk.”

Meanwhile Alliance for Choice said “the health minister has a duty to sanction provision that does not jeopardise the health of women and pregnant people by forcing them to travel to clinics unnecessarily for abortions”.

Related topics:Northern IrelandAbortionGovernmentEngland