Pastor: Northern Ireland is lurching into some of the most extreme abortion laws in Europe

That is the simple message we hear repeatedly in these strange times. Wise words that call for selfless action for the sake of the most vulnerable.

It is ironic that, in parallel with our current crisis, Northern Ireland lurching into a future in which the most vulnerable will no longer have any value in law and actions to intentionally end their lives will be sanctioned.

I am speaking, of course, of the lives of the unique, unborn human individuals and the government’s proposed new abortion regime, which is one of the most extreme in western Europe.

This despite the clear and consistent wishes of the Northern Ireland public and our politicians.

Despite the fact that not a single sitting Northern Ireland MP voted for the changes in Westminster.

Despite the fact that surveys indicate clear public opposition to abortion on request.

Despite the fact that our assembly rejected the liberalisation of abortion laws as recently as 2016.

Despite the fact that last autumn thousands of Northern Ireland people, many who had never done so before, stood in public in solidarity with the voiceless unborn and to affirm that life is precious.

Despite the fact that, in the government’s own words, the responses to their recent consultation showed that, “79% […] expressed a view registering their general opposition to any abortion provision in Northern Ireland beyond that which is currently permitted”.

The proposed legislation is deeply flawed in many ways. It strikes a blow against equality for disabled people, valuing their lives less than others.

Its language surrounding abortion where there is a risk to the mother’s life or health is vague and imprecise. Its provision for conscientious objection for healthcare professionals who recognise the sanctity of all human lives are inadequate.

It fails to legislate for proper protection for women against coercion to have an abortion or support to choose life for their child. But above all, it is flawed in its basic premise because it undermines the most basic human right of all – the right to life – and treats human life as something cheap to be disposed of when it is inconvenient to others.

We should not underestimate the gravity of this development for our society. Healthcare is being redefined to include killing. Doctors, historically trained and trusted to save and enhance lives, will be sanctioned to end them. A hierarchy of value of individual lives, with the disabled at the bottom, is being endorsed in the law.

The unconditional and protective love of parents is being attacked by the implication that it is legitimate, even good, for a mother to choose to end the life of her child. If we follow this path, we can no longer claim to be a life-affirming society. The implications for all of us are truly terrifying.

On any other day, this would have been the main headline in our news, but coronavirus has stolen the limelight. To let these laws slip under the radar would be tragic. The coronavirus crisis will, we hope with good reason, pass in due time, but abortion will leave its scar on our society for generations to come. So, it is vital in this time that concerned citizens do everything they can within the current restrictions to stand, speak and serve for life.

Stand for life by joining NIVoiceless and other campaigns in posting images with hashtags like #YesToLifeNoToAbortion. Speak the truth about life and abortion with compassion and gentleness. Serve by supporting the excellent pro-life service providers you can easily find online. The message is simple.

Stop abortion. Protect the definition of healthcare. Save lives.

• Paul Coulter is a non-practising medic, a pastor and a theology lecturer. He is Director of the Centre for Christianity in Society (www.christianityinsociety.org) and Co-Chair of the NIVoiceless movement