The Republic of Ireland has followed Great Britain by introducing home abortions.
Women in the Republic will now be able to access abortion pills without visiting a doctor.
With pressure for Northern Ireland to do the same, the First Minister Arlene Foster has stated her clear opposition to such a measure.
‘Dispense’
The Irish Government’s Department of Health blamed COVID-19 as it announced it would temporarily “dispense with the requirement” for a woman to see her GP for an abortion.
Women less than ten weeks pregnant will now be able to access abortion pills via phone or video call, and have them delivered.
The move follows similar rules introduced in England, Wales and Scotland last week.
‘Retrograde’
Amnesty International and Sinn Fein are among those pushing for Northern Ireland to introduce a similar law.
Instead of supporting people who find themselves in crisis pregnancies, we’re not even having a discussion around that
In response to the pressure, Arlene Foster said the Executive would have “discussions”, but stated her personal opposition to the plans, describing them as a “retrograde step”.
“Instead of supporting people who find themselves in crisis pregnancies, we’re not even having a discussion around that”.
However, abortion giant BPAS has announced plans to bypass the NI Executive and deliver abortion pills in Northern Ireland.
Resistance
Last month Westminster imposed a radical new abortion regime in Northern Ireland despite massive resistance from the public.
Politicians in Northern Ireland accused Westminster of ‘riding roughshod’ over the will of the Province.
It has also been reported that NI Attorney General John Larkin has raised legal issues with the implementation of the framework.
Also see:
Govt consults on permissive abortion law in Northern Ireland
