Northern Ireland abortion request denied

Monday, 7 July 2003 12:00 AM

A Judicial Review has today turned down a request by the Family Planning Association (FPA) that women in Northern Ireland should have the same access to abortion facilities as women in other parts of the UK.

The review hearing was looking at the medical practices relating to abortion and the provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Brian Kerr, sitting in the high court in Belfast, heard arguments from the FPA which said that the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety should ensure that all women in Northern Ireland have equal access to reproductive healthcare services and official guidelines are needed to ensure this.

Although abortion is legal in Northern Ireland it is only available in limited circumstances. Because of this it is estimated that over 1500 women travel to England per year for private abortions, at a cost of £450-£950 in travel and medical expenses. Women from Northern Ireland are not entitled to NHS abortions.

The FPA wanted the courts to force the Department of Health to publish guidelines for doctors on when they can legally carry out terminations.

However Justice Kerr ruled that law is clear as it stands. However he did invite the Department of Health to consider publishing guidelines, even though they were not legally required to do so.

Speaking before the ruling, Director of the Family Planning Association Audrey Simpson told the BBC that the current law was confusing and only supports those who are 'anti-choice'.

'Some women's access to termination in Northern Ireland is determined by their post code - why should that be?' she said.

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