Northern Ireland: Abortion guidance to be published

The fpa reports the success of its campaign.

After seven years of legal action in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, fpa in Northern Ireland has just received written confirmation from Michael McGimpsey MLA that guidelines regarding the provision of termination of pregnancy services in Northern Ireland will be published in October 2008.

Abortion in Northern Ireland is only available under exceptional circumstances. fpa began historic legal proceedings against the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) back in May 2001 to request advice and guidance clarifying what these exceptional circumstances were. The absence of any clarification left medical practitioners operating in an environment of confusion regarding legal obligations to their patients, and left women seeking abortion, oblivious to their rights. 

In July 2003, fpa lost its original case but won an appeal in November 2004. The appeal instructed the DHSSPS to produce professional guidance. Although the DHSSPS instigated a formal review in 2005 following the court ruling, to date no guidance has ever been issued.

Audrey Simpson, Director of Northern Ireland and Scotland, fpa said:

‘This has been a long uphill struggle. However, receiving confirmation that the DHSSP will finally be issuing guidelines proves that fpa’s dogged determination over the years has been worth it. The exact content of the guidelines is still unknown. But as a minimum, we hope that health professionals and women will now be able to discuss abortion with clarity and understanding.

‘I’ll also be in Westminster today speaking to MPs about the latest developments from the DHSSP at a special event concerning the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. I will also be discussing the devastating impact denying a women’s right to choose has on Northern Irish women and men.’

‘Guidance around abortion in Northern Ireland to be issued by the DHSSP.’ fpa press release, 15 May 2008