UK Government must reform N.I “Abortion law” without any further delay

UK Government must reform N.I “Abortion law” without any further delay

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has responded to the Women and Equalities Committee report released today on “Abortion Law in Northern Ireland”.

The Commission had provided written and oral evidence to the Committee Inquiry.

Chief Commissioner Les Allamby, commented:

“The Commission welcomes the fact that the Women and Equalities Committee held an inquiry into abortion law in Northern Ireland. It provides yet another indication that the reform of the law in Northern Ireland needs to be addressed. Moreover, the report recognises that the UK Government has a responsibility to comply with its international human rights obligations and human rights standards.”

“In 2018, the UK Supreme Court found that Northern Ireland’s laws on termination of pregnancy are incompatible with human rights. Women and girls deserve better in Northern Ireland - the UK Government must reform the law, uphold its human rights obligations, and end the criminalisation of women and girls without any further delay.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The NI Human Rights Commission is a statutory public body established in 1999 to promote and protect human rights. In accordance with the Paris Principles the Commission reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of measures undertaken by the UK Government to promote and protect human rights, specifically within Northern Ireland (NI).

2. Read the NI Human Rights Commissions evidence to the Inquiry here.

3. Further information on the Women and Equalities Committee can be found here.