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Northern Ireland Update
19 May 2022
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Northern Ireland Office
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the legal duty to provide abortion services in Northern Ireland under Section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act 2019.
Action Requested
The minister is laying regulations to ensure that the Department of Health commissions and funds abortion services without further delay, removing any remaining barriers. If the Department does not comply, the minister will intervene further with support from a small team established in the Northern Ireland Office.
Key Facts
- Section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act 2019 places a legal duty on the minister to ensure abortion services.
- A direction was given to the Department of Health and the Health and Social Care Board on 22 July 2021 to make abortion services available by 31 March 2022.
- The Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 established a framework for abortion services in Northern Ireland.
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