LISTEN: Anger as early abortion services end at Northern Trust

By Q Radio News

From today, early abortion services in the Northern Trust are to end due to limited resources.

Any women seeking terminations Women in the area, which takes in Antrim, Cookstown, Magherafelt, Ballymena and Coleraine, will have to use services at other trusts.

Abortion legislation changed here on 31st March after a new law was voted for by MPs in Westminster whilst Stormont was suspended.

However, there remains anger amongst pro-choice campaigners that the Department of Health has not done enough to either commission services, or provide funding and resources.

Grainne Teggart from Amnesty International says the suspension of services at the Northern Trust ‘is a direct consequence of the sheer neglect and disastrous failings of the Department of Health/'

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Campaigns Manager, said

“The fact that the Northern Trust have had to stop this service is a direct consequence of the sheer neglect and disastrous failings of the Department of Health.

“We now have a ridiculous situation where women in one trust area have to travel to another trust to access this healthcare.

“Whilst the Health Minister has been dragging his feet, healthcare services have been crippling under the weight of a pandemic and are struggling to survive.

Grainne Teggart speaking to Q Radio

“This development does not change the fact that abortion is legal. Women must not be refused this service.

“The Health Minister must urgently confirm he will commission these services and ensure all of our health trusts are equipped with the necessary resources to care for women who need this healthcare.

“There can be no more delays. The Minister cannot ignore this situation a moment longer – it’s time to stand by our health service and women.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said:

“The Department of Health has publicly stated that it has received legal advice that, under the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No 2) Regulations 2020 the Department is not required to commission the relevant services, however registered medical professionals in Northern Ireland may now terminate pregnancies lawfully. The regulations require such terminations to be carried out on Health and Social Care premises. This advice was communicated to Trusts in April.

“Decisions remain to be taken on the commissioning of abortion services in NI’s health service. Commissioning is a significant process that will require a public consultation. It will clearly be matter for the Executive and Assembly as well as the Department.”