The abolition of the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) in the United States must have a bitter taste in Northern Ireland, where political struggles and lack of financial means make access to abortion difficult. As proof, in 2021, 161 women crossed the Irish Sea to have an abortion in England or Wales, according to British government figures.
A reality that is still relevant for Northern Irish womendespite the decriminalization of abortion ever since nearly three years (42 years after the rest of the UK anyway!).
Abortion is allowed for up to 10 weeks in Northern Ireland
But Access to abortion is difficult for several reasons in Northern Ireland. Already, after 10 weeks of pregnancy, there is no longer any option for abortion : the country that does not have no surgical abortion services.
Yet, according to Naomi Connor, co-organizer of the Alliance for Choice campaign, interviewed byAFP : “Late abortions are the most complex, so it is women who should move less who have to move”. It also indicates the case of women victims of domestic violence who do not dare to travel to have an abortion, “Too anxious for anyone to notice”.
Always secondAFPhuman rights organizations also deplore a lack of information from women and an awareness of the options available to them when they become pregnant.
It must be said that in Northern Ireland, where a strong religious conservatism reigns, abortion remains taboo, particularly in rural areas. This right of access to abortion was adopted particularly in a tense climate, via a referendum in 2018. Time passes but minds don’t get used to it.
Massive abortion care services?
And the pressure has not subsided at the Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast. Indeed, if health is one of their current, unionist prerogatives (who are attached to British identity) block all chats as reported RFI. They are protesting the province’s special post-Brexit status, established as part of the UK’s devolution plan.
Faced with these political controversies and without consent from the Assembly, the Northern Irish Ministry of Health claims it is powerless and unable to set up adequate services to take care of abortions.
Hopefully, things go on. Also according to RFI, the deputies of the House of Commons in London have conceded to the British Minister for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, the powers to prevail over the decisions of the local authority. And finally, perhaps, start the necessary health services.
Featured image: The Walls of Belfast – © Rossographer – William Murphy X Madmoizelle
Source: Madmoizelle
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
