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The UK’s Northern Ireland secretary is \u201cconsidering further legislative action\u201d to see new abortion laws implemented in the North.<\/p>\nThe UK’s Northern Ireland secretary is \u201cconsidering further legislative action\u201d to see new abortion laws implemented in the North.<\/p>\n
The law was liberalized last year to allow terminations following action taken at Westminster.<\/p>\n
However, while individual health trusts have set up temporary early medical abortion pathways, Northern Ireland-wide services have not yet been commissioned by the Department of Health.<\/p>\n
Northern Ireland\u2019s health minister Robin Swann previously said the issue is controversial and therefore he cannot act alone and requires agreement by the Executive.<\/p>\n
Brandon Lewis intends to lay new regulations in parliament next week to allow him to direct Mr Swann\u2019s department to commission the services, the Guardian has reported.<\/p>\n
Mr Lewis was reportedly prompted by concerns many women are still travelling to Britain to access services.<\/p>\n
A UK government spokesperson confirmed there is disappointment that full abortion services have not yet been commissioned, adding \u201cfurther legislative action at Westminster\u201d is being considered.<\/p>\n
It is understood DUP leader Arlene Foster met with Mr Lewis earlier on Thursday on the matter.<\/p>\n
Abortion is an issue which sharply divides opinion in Northern Ireland with strong pro-choice and anti-abortion lobbies.<\/p>\n
On Monday, a motion by DUP MLA Paul Givan seeking to restrict abortions in cases of non-fatal disabilities passed its second reading.<\/p>\n
Deputy First Minister Michelle O\u2019Neill accused the DUP of attempting to \u201croll back abortion progress\u201d but her MLAs abstained on that vote.<\/p>\n
Separately, the party has announced its intention to bring a paper to the Executive calling for Mr Swann to commission full abortion services.<\/p>\n
A UK government spokesperson said: \u201cWe remain disappointed that the Department of Health and Northern Ireland Executive have failed to commission full abortion services, following the change to the law last March.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are continuing to monitor the situation closely, including considering further legislative action at Westminster, given the nature of the legal duties on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in this context.\u201d<\/p>\n