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17/04/2015
The Minister made his comments as officials from the Department of Justice updated the Justice Committee on a recently completed public consultation on the issue.
Minister Ford said: "My department has just completed a consultation exercise on the very sensitive and emotive issue of the criminal law on abortion and I have today published, on the Department of Justice website, a summary of the responses.
"This consultation has probably engaged the community more than any other in recent times. Much was written and said about the proposals, some of it inaccurate and some of it misleading. I have always tried to be clear that these proposals were for limited change in very specific circumstances.
"The consultation asked for views on two specific areas where abortion might be considered: where there is a fatal fetal abnormality, and where pregnancy results from a sexual crime. I also sought views on the inclusion of a clause to allow for a right of conscientious objection.
"The responses to the consultation came in a number of formats, from well-reasoned written arguments, either for or against change, to written and electronic petitions. In addition to members of the public engaging with us, a large number of organisations, representing a broad swathe of opinion, responded."
He continued: "After full and careful consideration of the evidence submitted, I have concluded that to change the law along the lines outlined in the consultation paper is the right thing to do. In the limited circumstances of a fetal abnormality which is likely to cause death either before birth, during birth or in an initial period after birth, and where no treatment other than palliative care could be offered to improve the chances of survival, my view is that the health and wellbeing of the woman must take priority and that the law should be clear and offer certainty.
"I therefore intend to proceed to ask the Executive for its approval to bring forward legislation to the Assembly which would allow for termination of pregnancy in these tragic cases. I am also proposing to allow for the inclusion of a conscience clause in the legislation, but will not proceed with changes relating to pregnancy resulting from sexual crime."
"I recognise this subject will continue to be of interest to many people and at all times I will make as much information as possible publicly available," he concluded.
Northern Ireland has the strictest abortion laws in the UK. Currently, abortions are only permitted in NI in specific circumstances; if the mother's life is at risk, or there is a risk of serious or permanent damage to her mental or physical health. However, the consultation is looking to change the legislation, to allow abortion to be legalised in cases of rape, incest or the "serious malformation" of a foetus.
(JP)
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'Substantial Support' For Changing Abortion Laws In NI
Northern Ireland's Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA, has said there is a "substantial body of support" for making changes to the region's current abortion laws.The Minister made his comments as officials from the Department of Justice updated the Justice Committee on a recently completed public consultation on the issue.
Minister Ford said: "My department has just completed a consultation exercise on the very sensitive and emotive issue of the criminal law on abortion and I have today published, on the Department of Justice website, a summary of the responses.
"This consultation has probably engaged the community more than any other in recent times. Much was written and said about the proposals, some of it inaccurate and some of it misleading. I have always tried to be clear that these proposals were for limited change in very specific circumstances.
"The consultation asked for views on two specific areas where abortion might be considered: where there is a fatal fetal abnormality, and where pregnancy results from a sexual crime. I also sought views on the inclusion of a clause to allow for a right of conscientious objection.
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"The responses to the consultation came in a number of formats, from well-reasoned written arguments, either for or against change, to written and electronic petitions. In addition to members of the public engaging with us, a large number of organisations, representing a broad swathe of opinion, responded."
He continued: "After full and careful consideration of the evidence submitted, I have concluded that to change the law along the lines outlined in the consultation paper is the right thing to do. In the limited circumstances of a fetal abnormality which is likely to cause death either before birth, during birth or in an initial period after birth, and where no treatment other than palliative care could be offered to improve the chances of survival, my view is that the health and wellbeing of the woman must take priority and that the law should be clear and offer certainty.
"I therefore intend to proceed to ask the Executive for its approval to bring forward legislation to the Assembly which would allow for termination of pregnancy in these tragic cases. I am also proposing to allow for the inclusion of a conscience clause in the legislation, but will not proceed with changes relating to pregnancy resulting from sexual crime."
"I recognise this subject will continue to be of interest to many people and at all times I will make as much information as possible publicly available," he concluded.
Northern Ireland has the strictest abortion laws in the UK. Currently, abortions are only permitted in NI in specific circumstances; if the mother's life is at risk, or there is a risk of serious or permanent damage to her mental or physical health. However, the consultation is looking to change the legislation, to allow abortion to be legalised in cases of rape, incest or the "serious malformation" of a foetus.
(JP)
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