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MPs unite to fight law that will make abortions available in Northern Ireland
Thursday, 24 July 2008
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Ulster’s politicians last night vowed to fight an attempt to force a vote on proposals to extend British abortion laws to Northern Ireland “all the way”.
Despite fierce opposition from the DUP, Sinn Fein, SDLP and the UUP, pro-choice MPs have tabled an amendment on the highly contentious Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill that would allow women the right to an abortion on the NHS.
Although it was widely denied, the DUP was understood to have been assured there would not be any changes in the province by Prime Minister Gordon Brown during his successful attempt to woo the party in return for support on the 42-day detention crunch vote.
But London MP Diane Abbott, who is behind the amendment, believes it has a strong chance of winning enough support to become law.
“When it comes to abortion rights, Northern Ireland women are effectively second-class citizens,” she said.
“They don't have the same rights as women in England and Wales and Scotland. They even have fewer rights than women in the Republic of Ireland.
“The main way if you want to have an abortion, you have to travel to the UK and get one privately.
“We think we have got a very good chance of getting the amendment through.
“There is a very clear majority in Parliament for a woman's right to choose and we believe there is a majority to extend that to Northern Ireland.”
Abortion is illegal in Northern Ireland unless it is deemed that the life of the mother is in danger or that the pregnancy would cause serious risk to the woman's physical or mental health.
Pro-choice campaigners point out that rape and incest victims are expected to continue the pregnancy and give birth to the child. Around 50,000 women have travelled to England for the procedure over the last 40 years — with costs now estimated to reach around £2,000 once travel and accommodation has been included.
The new clause would extend the Abortion Act 1967, which means terminations could be carried out up to 24 weeks.
But the amendment could fall at the first hurdle if Speaker Michael Martin chooses not to select it when the bill reaches its next stage in the autumn.
It is the 30th tabled so far with more expected in the first weeks back after summer recess and those chosen tend to have been the subject of discussions in committee or ones which the |Government has carried work out on.
The main political parties in Northern Ireland and the four main churches have written to MPs opposing any change in the law.
Yesterday the DUP’s Upper Bann MP David Simpson uncovered figures about the scale of teenage abortion in England and Wales.
More than 12,000 terminations were carried out on girls aged 15 or under in the last three years and a further 17,500 carried out on 16 year olds.
He said: “There can be little doubt that a return to Direct Rule would only serve to increase both the pressure for such an extension and the chances of success.
“This move also demonstrates that there is not only no support across the political divide in Northern Ireland for it, but that there is active opposition right across Northern Ireland society.
“Every MP in the House of Commons knows full well that if it were up to local politicians and local people this would not take place.
“I and my party will fight such an attempt all the way through the House if necessary.”
Leader of the SDLP Mark Durkan added: “The SDLP, with full democratic conscience, will do everything we can to oppose these plans and will do so on behalf of the people who have elected us and on behalf of those human beings who can be saved if we can effectively curb and hold back the extension of this Act.
“In doing so, we will be seeking to maintain and preserve the fundamental integrity of humanity which goes to the heart of human values and the protection of life. “Furthermore, this issue once again highlights why it is important that the devolution of justice and policing powers take place as soon as possible.
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43 Comments
Who would ever have thought that today, the most dangerous place for a child is in its mothers womb.How far have we drifted from respecting the defenceless child.
Seamus Gallagher.
Posted by seamus gallagher | 28.07.08, 22:55 GMT
If the people of Northern Ireland and their political representatives do not want abortion why should it be forced on them. Are we not living in a democracy? Surely this is an infringement of a fundamental democratic prinicple.
Posted by Michael Isola | 27.07.08, 19:20 GMT
Who are we to judge who should have abortions? I strongly object to paying for an NHS that funds the destruction of life. It makes me ashamed to be British to think that this amendment has been proposed.
Childbirth is a beautiful, natural, if somewhat painful, thing. Life is about raising children and passing what we have on to the next generation - not aborting another individual's life for the sake of your own convenience, or to save your own or your family's embarrasment. Couples who are unable to conceive know how true that is.
I call on churches and all concerned people in NI to voice their support for the brave women, and men, who opt to see their unexpected pregnancies through to the end, and then to love the children too. Let ours be a nation that knows its priorities. Of all people, we understand the value of a life more than most.
Posted by Ruth | 26.07.08, 20:36 GMT
I was born in Coleraine and retain many links with the province and know that the traditional christian values that unite people of all communions in it are under threat as never before as the apostles of hedonism and selfishness seek to impose their beliefs upon you as they have done so successfully in Britain. They can be resisted if you remain united.
Posted by Rev Dr Peter Hatton | 26.07.08, 10:27 GMT
Northern Ireland is like a breath of freash air in relation to standing up for repspect for human life and the unborn child.
It is a wonderful legacy to leave your children. I note that "none" of the MPs who tabled the pro-abortion amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology bill, represent anyone from Northern Ireland. It is refreshing to see all the main political parties, and the four main churches, standing as one against this. Thank God.
Norman-pro-life Wales
Posted by norman plaisted | 26.07.08, 10:02 GMT
'Travel to the UK" from Northern Ireland? If correctly reported, Diane Abbot has made a slip there!A woman who knows so little about the legal status of the province should keep her mouth shut about its laws!
It is the women in Britain who are oppressed. My sister has been concerned with the picketing of abortion clinics, and she told me that the women who come say about their abortions
"I have no choice"
Posted by mcgormally | 26.07.08, 04:47 GMT
I OPPOSE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ANY ATEMPT BY PRO ABORTIONATE TO LEGALISATION ABORTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND, BY WESTMINSTER OR BY HEALTH AND SOCAL SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY.
Posted by JOAN OHARE | 25.07.08, 22:14 GMT
Our gratitude to all the political parties united in their stand to protect the most defenceless-- the baby in the womb. Does Westminister understand what NO means.
Thank you for your fortitude.
Yoiurssincerely,
Jim and Kitty OSullivan.
Posted by jimosullivan | 25.07.08, 21:29 GMT
This is terrific! Is there any better example of unity in the North than this issue.
What part of NO does the British Parliament not understand?
Ireland may be only a small wart on the arse of Europe but what better way to make its presence felt in Europe than to be seen as that country in which life is sacrosanct and abortion is not countenanced.
For once let's not trot along sheepishly with the liberal "Pied Piper"!
In a world where disposability and selfishness are on the increase we have to draw the line somewhere - where better than LIFE itself!
Posted by James Maher | 25.07.08, 18:29 GMT
"no chance Northern Ireland MP's would let Northern Irish women vote on this issue? surely it effects us the most and we should be allowed a say?! "You can't have a referendum on women's rights. The idea is absurd. Women should have the sole control over their own bodies." This is absolute rubbish - the father is every bit as much a part of his child as the mother is, and should have equal say in what happens. People who argue the case for abortion based on womens' rights also completely disregard the rights of the unborn child. Disagreeing with abortion is not religious fanaticism, denying women their rights, or the sign of a backward society. I am not a Christian, but I find it completely abhorrent that people try to justify taking an innocent life on the grounds of convenience. I think it is a good thing that we as a society still have some moral principles, despite what anyone in Quebec thinks, and I am disgusted that a foreign politician is trying to force this on us.
Posted by Childrens' rights, Tandragee | 25.07.08, 09:57 GMT
It's not only a womans choice...once again the fathers are forgot about. I agree it's a personal choice...but I don't think it should be paid on the NHS....if you do the crime you should expect to do the time
Posted by Ray | 25.07.08, 08:34 GMT
Please note that any female that has been raped and carried her child to term have reported the child gives them unconditional love, comfort, healing and closure. An abortion for a raped female that becomes pregnant presents only violence upon violence.
Posted by Colin | 25.07.08, 02:55 GMT
Why are the DUP fighting against abortion? Thought they were the true British party that aplauds everything British: including abortion since the 60's.
Posted by Mc | 25.07.08, 01:56 GMT
Abortion is nothing less than state approved Murder. The blood of these children are on this nations hands. Not only will this nation and the government be responsible on judgement day but we deserve Gods Wrath right now for the slaughter of the innocent. Murder is Murder. YOu woouldnt murder a 1 year old child or older so why murder in the womb what is the difference? None!! Each child in the womb is a gift from God and not one of them is an 'accident' for God is soverign over all things. Including conception. Not that he is the author of this sin, but he permits it and restrains all sin that takes place. The child has a soul from conception and there is proof in the Bible that children in the womb have had regeneration of their heart in preparation for their saving knowledge later in life. Ie. John the baptist and Jeremiah.
The british Government should not be aiding this slaughter. The parents should not be playing God chosing weither a child should live or die.
Posted by Nigel | 25.07.08, 00:17 GMT
Let the people decide - put it out there for the citizens of Northern Ireland to choose. That would be logical.
Posted by John | 24.07.08, 20:24 GMT
Private abortion clinics in the North would invariably attract women from the Republic who otherwise would have gone to England.
Posted by Anton MacCionnaidh | 24.07.08, 20:07 GMT
Hi Gary, "Quite being selfish"....yes quite.....
Anyway, It seems you are creating a moral hierarcy here. Are you sure your Christian morals allow you to do that? I think you should check to be on the safe side-We don't want you going to hell... I am sure you are sick of hearing about women's "rights". Women have spent well over a century fighting the oddly sexist opinions of Chritsians so that they can vote, become ministers, wear trousers etc. Virtually every woman's right have been fought for in the face of religious dogma like yours. "Can't be bothered with the responcibilty"- I have heard this quite alot. I'm not sure what statistics you are refering to that suggest the reasons for abortions, but if you could cite them here I would be greatful....Or did God tell you?
Posted by Jack Cade | 24.07.08, 19:37 GMT
How come when it suits Ulster Politicians to have parity they cry we are part of the UK. When it doesn't suite then, they negotiate us out.
Posted by E Rodgers | 24.07.08, 16:39 GMT
btw I get rather sick of listening to people shout their mouths off about the womans "rights".
what about the innocent babys rights? do they not have
a baby is in a very vunerable position in all of this and some too many people take full advantage of this to kill just because they cannot be bothered to take on the responsiblity
Quite being so selfish!!
Posted by Gary | 24.07.08, 16:16 GMT
Remember this is not a debate on if abortions should happen in NI but if they should be safe and legal.
Posted by Jack Cade | 24.07.08, 16:15 GMT
43 Comments