Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Abortion Services

Wednesday 30 September 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial regulations on abortion services in Northern Ireland were introduced in March 2020.
  • Government discussions are ongoing with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding funding for new abortion services.
  • Regulations aim to ensure women in Northern Ireland have equivalent abortion service outcomes as in the rest of the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question addresses the adequacy of current service provision for women seeking abortions in Northern Ireland following recent regulations. The MP seeks an assessment on whether women have adequate access.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of provision for women seeking access to abortion services in Northern Ireland? Since March, new regulations were introduced but there is a need to assess if these provisions are sufficient and how local service delivery can be improved.

Answer from Robin Walker

In March, the Government made regulations setting out new law on abortion services. Some service provision has commenced through existing clinics, and longer-term commissioning is being considered to ensure local access. The Government stands ready to support the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a specific assessment of adequacy but mentions ongoing efforts.

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Q2 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The MP seeks details on the discussions surrounding funding needed to sustain new abortion services. Previous regulations have set out provisions, but specific financial support is required.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had regarding the funding needed for the UK Government to commission and sustain new abortion services for women in Northern Ireland? Despite debates about the need for these services, local provision requires dedicated funds.

Answer from Robin Walker

Regulations deliver equivalent outcomes to the rest of the UK. The Government is engaged with the Executive about funding, including substantial increases due to Barnett consequentials. However, specific discussions on direct funding for these services are not elaborated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges general financial support but does not provide details of specific funding discussions for abortion services.

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Q3 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

Amidst the pandemic, there is a need to ensure local provision of abortion services to avoid risky journeys. Despite political challenges, discussions are needed on specific funding and potential legal duties.

Question

What discussions is the Minister having about specific funding for wider abortion services in Northern Ireland? Given the current situation, is he considering imposing a legal duty to provide these services locally?

Answer from Robin Walker

Interim solutions have been reached with existing clinics providing some services. The Executive aims to move forward with formal commissioning, though specific funding or legal duty details are not provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer notes interim measures but does not detail discussions on specific funding or legal duties for wider service provision.

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Q4 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Down's Syndrome Awareness Month highlights the commencement of regulations that allow termination up to birth if a foetal diagnosis is made. The MP seeks an assessment on whether this could be seen as disability discrimination.

Question

What assessment has he made of the impact of allowing abortion up to birth for Down's syndrome in Northern Ireland? Does he agree that this might be perceived as discrimination within the womb?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Government supports those living with Down's syndrome. Regulations comply with CEDAW, ensuring informed decisions without discrimination. Women can make individual choices post-medical assessment and receive support regardless of their decision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer clarifies that there is no intention of discrimination but does not provide a direct impact assessment or address concerns about perceptions of discrimination.

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