Abortion in Northern Ireland: a Problem Exported

Abstract

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but when the 1967 Abortion Act was introduced in Britain the last line simply stated: ‘This Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.’ Some, but very few abortions are carried out in Northern Ireland and categorized as therapeutic; however, it is not known accurately which women have access, why and at what stage. Official statistics are not available. It is generally accepted that abortion is available if:

• the woman has a serious medical or psychological problem which could jeopardize her life or her health if the pregnancy were to continue;

• the woman has severe learning difficulties;

• abnormality of the foetus is detected.