Step forward says RCM on result of MP’s vote to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland

on 09 July 2019 Government Abortion

Today (9th July) MP’s voted on NC10 which would uphold the human rights of women in Northern Ireland to access safe abortion services there.

Responding to today’s Parliamentary vote Karen Murray, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Northern Ireland said; “This is a significant step forward in the fight for abortion rights for women in Northern Ireland and something the RCM very much welcomes.

“The lack of access to abortion for women in Northern Ireland has already been declared a breach of human rights by the supreme court and the passing of this amendment today means the Government will now have to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland by the end of October this year.

“The current legal arrangements in Northern Ireland are not only unfair to women when it comes to choices about their own healthcare options, but the law also impacts on midwives’ ability to deliver high quality maternity care to women.”

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The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/