![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/2.39719786.jpg\")
Minister for Health Simon Harris gave further assurances today that women from the North will be able to access abortions in Ireland.<\/p>\nMinister for Health Simon Harris gave further assurances today that women from the North will be able to access abortions in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Mr Harris made the commitment during a meeting with Amnesty International, Sinn F\u00e9in and a number of other pro-choice groups from Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
Mr Harris said it is \u201ca matter of great regret\u201d that women on the whole island of Ireland cannot access healthcare in relation to crisis pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Mr Harris first made the commitments to Northern Ireland in August, just months after the landslide abortion referendum here, saying: \u201cI intend to ensure women from Northern Ireland can access such services in the Republic, just like they can access other health services here.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is hoped the new legislation will come into effect by January, to begin allowing for terminations for women both sides of the border, however women from Northern Ireland will be required to pay.<\/p>\n
Grainne Teggart, Amnesty UK\u2019s Northern Ireland campaigns manager, said that women in Northern Ireland should not be forced to travel for reproductive care.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome the minister\u2019s commitment to ensure access to abortion services for women from Northern Ireland,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, it serves to underscore the absurd situation we find ourselves in, where women from Northern Ireland will soon be able to travel by train to have an abortion, but still won\u2019t be able to access safe and legal abortions at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe call on the Northern Ireland secretary and UK Government to prioritize women\u2019s healthcare, decriminalize abortion and ensure a framework for access is put in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in representatives Megan Fearon and Louise O\u2019Reilly hosted the delegation which included Alliance for Choice, Royal College of Midwives, and The Family Planning Association<\/p>\n
Megan Fearon said: \u201cThe meeting with the minister for health was very constructive for us and for the campaign groups and service providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe campaign groups outlined their concerns to minister Harris and the minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring access for all women on the island to abortion care.<\/p>\n
\u201cSinn F\u00e9in will continue to keep this issue to the fore, north and south.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will work hand in hand with campaign groups and service providers to ensure access to quality and safe abortion care for all women on this island.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Alliance Party\u2019s Paula Bradshaw likewise gave a cautious welcome to the news, adding there was no excuse for not legislating to clarify the law in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbortion is a conscience issue for Alliance but I welcome the clarification from the Republic\u2019s Health Minister, Simon Harris TD, that from next year women will be able to travel across the border to seek an abortion within the laws which will come to apply there, albeit with a charge,\u201d Ms Bradshaw said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNevertheless, regardless of our personal views on the topic, the issue remains the law in Northern Ireland lacks clarity and is recognized to be in breach of global human rights standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abortion is currently illegal in Northern Ireland unless there is a serious risk to a woman\u2019s life or health.<\/p>\n
Last year, at least 919 women from Northern Ireland traveled to England and Wales to access abortion services<\/p>\n