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Eight medical abortions were carried out in Northern Ireland last year.<\/p>\nEight medical abortions were carried out in Northern Ireland last year.<\/p>\n
The figures were published by the Department of Health just months before changes to the region\u2019s law around abortion will take effect.<\/p>\n
The total is four fewer than the previous year.<\/p>\n
Abortion was decriminalized in Northern Ireland last October following legislation passed by Westminster.<\/p>\n
Terminations will become more widely available from April.<\/p>\n
Previously, abortion was only allowed in Northern Ireland if a woman\u2019s life was at risk or there was a danger of permanent and serious damage to her physical or mental health.<\/p>\n
The change has been criticized by anti-abortion campaigners, who have staged several large demonstrations against it.<\/p>\n
Pro-choice campaigners have also held rallies.<\/p>\n
Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International\u2019s Northern Ireland campaigns manager, described the law change as \u201cnecessary\u201d.<\/p>\n
She said 1,050 women traveled from Northern Ireland to England to have abortions in 2018, while a further unknown number accessed abortion pills online.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThis demonstrates just how necessary our new law is. Soon, those who need a termination will have their choices treated with dignity and respect at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll eyes are now on the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to ensure regulations and a swift transition to services that respect rights, choice and are fully accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n