Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Abortion Services

Wednesday 20 January 2021 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Regulations have been in place since March 2020 for safe and lawful access to abortion services in Northern Ireland.
  • Over 719 women accessed services locally by mid-October last year, with some trusts resuming services while others are pending progress.
  • Government continues engagement with the Health Department on full service provision and stands ready to act with further legislative measures if necessary.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stella Creasy Labour (Co-op) Walthamstow
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from the lack of full abortion service provision under Section 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 2019.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of abortion services in Northern Ireland since March 2020? The hon. Member referenced over 719 women and girls accessing local services by mid-October last year, with 100 women refused abortions and resorting to buying pills online.

Answer from Robin Walker

Regulations have been in place since March 2020 for safe and lawful access. Over 719 women accessed services locally by mid-October last year. Full service commissioning remains unfulfilled, monitored closely with further legislative action to be considered at the appropriate time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a timeline or immediate actions despite evidence of ongoing issues and court challenges.

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Q2 Stella Creasy Labour (Co-op) Walthamstow
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question builds on the initial inquiry, highlighting court challenges and evidence of women buying pills online.

Question

With clear evidence that over 100 women have been refused abortions and are purchasing pills online, will the Secretary of State confirm they will act to uphold UK legislation and intervene now?

Answer from Robin Walker

We continue to engage with the Health Department for commissioning full services. Some trusts have resumed services, others pending progress. Government funds access to services in England when local options are unavailable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to immediate action or specific timeline despite clear issues.

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Q3 Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question highlights continuing concerns over women's rights and access to abortion care during the pandemic.

Question

Members are shocked that full service provision is not achieved. Women travel against advice due to lack of local services. Will the Minister expand on his comments, what will be considered for action, and when?

Answer from Robin Walker

We continue engagement with Health Department on progress. We recognise rights to healthcare, including high-quality abortion care. Urgency is acknowledged but challenges noted. Further legislative action will be considered if required.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to immediate or specific timeline despite urgent issues.

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Q4 Stephen Farry
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question addresses the need for timely action on abortion service provision amid political challenges.

Question

Will the Minister confirm he will not allow this issue to slip indefinitely and act within a matter of months if no progress is made by the Northern Ireland Executive?

Answer from Robin Walker

Urgency recognised but challenges from the covid situation noted. We would prefer progress through devolved institutions, but stand ready to act if required.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific timeline despite urgency and previous pressure.

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Q5 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

The question concerns the possibility of sex-selective abortion under current regulations.

Question

Is the Minister concerned about sex-selective abortion permitted within 12 weeks, and what measures will be taken to address this?

Answer from Robin Walker

Regulations follow UK approach. Annual analysis of male-female birth ratios in England and Wales shows no evidence of sex-selective abortions. Future years may include Northern Ireland in this analysis.

Answered
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