Abortion law amendment bid fails

The proposal which was put forward by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) was lost even though 53 elected members backed it.

During an emotive and lengthy debate Health Minister Edwin Poots, who claimed to be speaking in his capacity as a Lagan Valley representative, said the Marie Stopes clinic which opened in Belfast last year would not now be held to account.

“The problem is nobody knows if the law is being breached because Marie Stopes is operating under a cloud of darkness. We could have stopped it but some people decided they would have a petition of concern to allow that business to carry on their practice under that cloak of darkness where nobody can hold them to account,” Mr Poots said.

Abortions are not illegal in Northern Ireland but are very strictly controlled. Terminations are permitted if two or more doctors consider that the expectant mother’s life is at risk.

Some MLAs want to go further, and ensure abortions in such emergency circumstances are only performed on the National Health Service.

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said there was no appetite for abortion in Northern Ireland.

Marie Stopes opened its Belfast clinic last October – the first anywhere on the island of Ireland. Management said they would work within the current legislation and only carry out medical abortions up to nine weeks’ gestation.

No surgical abortions would be performed at the Great Victoria Street facility, they said.

The amendment to the Bill was proposed by two senior members of the DUP and the SDLP. Of the 53 MLAs who voted in favour of the change nine were nationalist, and 44 unionist.

The petition of concern which meant the amendment must have secure a cross party majority was submitted to the Assembly authorities yesterday afternoon signed by members of Sinn Fein, the Alliance Party and the Green Party.

The Alliance Party’s Anna Lo, who was among the signatories, told the Chamber she made no apologies for her position. She claimed some MLAs were out of touch with society and called for further public consultation on the issue.

“This amendment is manipulative and only serves the purpose of some MLAs personal agenda. I believe MLAs should make decisions on pragmatism not on religious belief,” Ms Lo said.

The 1967 Abortion Act does not extend to Northern Ireland. It is estimated that around 1,500 women travel to England to obtain an abortion.

It is thought around 41 emergency procedures are carried out in Northern Ireland hospitals to save the life of the mother.

Caitriona Ruane insisted Sinn Fein was against abortion on demand.

“Bringing forward this amendment is perhaps the worst example we have seen to date in the Assembly of stroke politics. This ammendment is about trying to close down the Marie Stopes clinic and as a result limiting the opportunity for a woman to exercise the option of a termination when her life is in danger. Those who brought forward the ammendment should have the courage to say so,” said the MLA.

“The ammendment is clearly an attempt to restrict the right of a woman to obtain a termination in life threatening circumstances. It is an attempt to further compound our trauma by marginalising women at a time in our lives when we are most vulnerable. Are we to wait until we have a repeat of the Savita Halappanavar case before we are shook to our senses. Are we to await another tragedy before those who brought this amendment forward will cease to play with the lives of women. Are we to continue to foment confusion or are we to bring clarity, certainty to the need for the rights of a woman in this particularly difficult situation.”

Alliance Party leader Justice Minister David Ford said politicians had a duty to give due consideration to changes in abortion legislation.

“I know that there are many strong views in this assembly and this society on the issue of abortion. I accept the absolute sincerity of those who have argued for this ammendment because of their views on abortion and because of their pro life stance though I find it difficult to accept the personal insults and diatribe which have come from others,” he said.

Earlier, pro-life campaigners took their own petition signed by 250,000 people to Stormont.

Bernadette Smyth, from Precious Life said democracy had failed vulnerable women and voiced her opposition to Sinn Fein’s stance as MLAs Daithi McKay and Oliver McMullan exited the Assembly chamber.

“You are a disgrace to your party,” Ms Smyth said.