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MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed a recent decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Northern Ireland) Bill passed by the Assembly back in March 2022. The Bill is primarily designed to protect the right of women to access abortion and associated sexual and reproductive health services. It prohibits anti-abortion protests and other specified behaviour within “safe access zones” around abortion clinics and related premises.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said “The Supreme Court has today recognised that Safe Access Zones, and legislation passed by the Assembly, does not breach people’s right to protest.
“Patients and their families should not face harassment and intimidation when accessing healthcare. This is a progressive step forward to protect women and healthcare workers.”
Folllowing an announcement by NI Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris at the start of December that he had written to the Department of Health, to formally commission abortion services in Northern Ireland the Newry and Armagh representative has called on the Department of Health to deliver.
Ms Kimmins said “Women here have waited long enough for access to the modern and compassionate abortion health services that they are entitled to. The refusal to progress these services has failed women who were experiencing the most difficult of circumstances.
“I have listened to women about their personal and tragic stories with many having to travel to England to access services, often alone and with no support. This needs to end.
“The Department of Health must get on with the delivery of these services now and ensure women are fully supported.”
