‘RCM Responds to Government agreement to fund abortions in England for women from Northern Ireland’
By RCM on 30 June 2017 Abortion
The Government has just announced that it will now fund abortions for women from Northern Ireland coming to have them in England. Abortion is only legal in very narrowly defined circumstances in Northern Ireland.
Commenting, Breedagh Hughes The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Northern Ireland says; “The RCM is very pleased with this announcement and looks forward to seeing the details of this crucial agreement.
“This is a significant step forward for women in Northern Ireland. We already know that women in Northern Ireland are purchasing abortion pills illegally online as many cannot afford to travel to the UK to receive the medical treatment they need.
“This commitment will not only go towards elevating some of the costs involved, but will most importantly offer women an avenue to accessing crucial healthcare and hopefully help them during what can be an extremely destressing time.
In the absence of a functioning legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland, this is a very welcome intervention from the Westminster government which acknowledges the difficulties for women From Northern Ireland in accessing safe, legal abortions.”
On the earlier Judicial Review in the matter of the law on Termination of Pregnancy in Northern Ireland in the court of appeal.
The RCM’s Director for Northern Ireland said; “The RCM is disappointed at today’s judicial review and the implications that it will have not only for women, but midwives and those caring for them.
The RCM views abortion as a healthcare matter and we believe it should be decriminalised in Northern Ireland and that women should not be forced to travel to Great Britain to access this service.”
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
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Notes to editors
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