Hello Team
Congratulations Cheryl on this great honour, I am very interested in getting a copy of your book.
Here is a brief history of Abortion in my country I though might interest you.
Abortion in Ireland
An unplanned pregnancy always means difficult decisions, but if you live in Ireland, you also have to navigate the law. Know your rights and make sure you choose the option that's best for you.
Northern Ireland - The law
The law on abortion in Northern Ireland has something of a confusing history, and remains ambiguous to this day. Originally outlawed in 1861, it was modified in 1945, stating that abortion was not an offence if it was done to save the mother's life. However, this new legal status only applied to abortions carried out after the 28th week of pregnancy, leaving doctors to use their individual judgement on cases up to 27 weeks.
Since Northern Ireland was left out of the Abortion Act in 1967, the laws have grown increasingly ambiguous. A woman is generally given an abortion if:
- She has a serious medical or psychological problem that is endangering her life if she continues her pregnancy;
- She has severe learning difficulties;
- Doctor's detect abnormalities in the foetus;
- In some cases, women will be offered an abortion if they have become pregnant as a result of rape.
However, the unclear nature of these laws led the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights (SACHR) to make recommendations that the Government bring forward options for a clearer law. That was in 1993, and it wasn't until a judicial review last year that the issue was addressed again and the calls for change were rejected. The Family Planning Association is appealing the decision on the grounds that the law remains as hazy as ever and women are often forced into a decision that is based purely on the grounds of money.
The abortion
Until the laws change, women who do not fall into the categories outlined above must seek an abortion in another country. The majority of women travelling from Ireland arrange private treatment through an organisation such as BPAS. A non-profit organisation that offers private abortions from £350.
Southern Ireland - The law
It is currently illegal for anyone to have an abortion in Eire. However, the law does allow pregnant women to receive counselling and information about all their options. Women must make sure they choose a respected counselling service as some anti-abortion campaign groups have been known to masquerade as counselling services. If they decide to have an abortion, it is their legal right to leave Ireland in order to do so. Most women travel to England where it is legal to have an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Unplanned pregnancy is something nobody chooses to happen, so it's always wise to avoid risks and take precautions.
Fionnuala
NIreland