NI women get assurances over abortions in Republic

IRELAND’S Health Minister gave further assurances on Thursday that women from Northern Ireland will be able to access abortions in the Republic.

Simon Harris made the commitment during a meeting with Amnesty International, Sinn Fein and a number of other prochoice groups from Northern Ireland.

Mr Harris said it is “a matter of great regret” that women on the whole island of Ireland cannot access healthcare in relation to crisis pregnancy.

Mr Harris first made the commitments to Northern Ireland in August, just months after the landslide abortion referendum in the Republic, saying: “I intend to ensure women from Northern Ireland can access such services in the Republic, just like they can access other health services here.”

It is hoped the new Irish legislation will come into effect by January, to begin allowing for terminations for women both sides of the border, however women from Northern Ireland will be required to pay.

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty UK’s Northern Ireland campaigns manager, said that women in Northern Ireland should not be forced to travel for reproductive care.

“We call on the Northern Ireland secretary and UK Government to prioritise women’s healthcare, decriminalise abortion and ensure a framework for access is put in place,” she said.