Abortion Law in Northern Ireland

23 October 2019

Effective from 0001 on 22 October 2019, the law on abortion in Northern Ireland has changed.

The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 section 9 states that:

• Recommendations in the 2018 Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women report are to be implemented
• Sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 are repealed
• No investigation may be carried out or criminal proceedings brought in respect of any offences under the 1861 Act
• The Secretary of State must draw up regulations by 31 March 2020.

Guidance for healthcare professionals for the 5-month interim period has been published:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/837166/Guidance_for_the_medical_profession_in_Northern_Ireland.pdf

• The Central Booking Service in England is on 0333 234 2184.
• All travel and, where needed, accommodation will be funded.
• If a health professional does choose to offer an abortion service to women during the interim period, they should do so in line with their professional competence and guidance from their professional body.
• A public consultation will be launched on a new legal framework to start on 1 April 2020.

Sam Rowlands (BSACP Council)