N.I. Abortion Proposals Expected in New Year

02.12.2016

Proposals on possible changes to Northern Ireland’s law on abortion in cases of so-called “fatal foetal abnormalities” will be published early in the new year, the health minister has said.

Health minister Michelle O'Neill was responding to criticism on the length of time the N.I. executive has taken to formally respond to a review of the controversial issue by an expert working group.

The group, which was set up by former DUP health minister Simon Hamilton, handed its report to Minister O'Neill and Justice Minister Claire Sugden on 11 October. The ministers subsequently passed the report to First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The ministers are considering whether legislation should be changed to permit abortion when doctors have diagnosed that babies will not survive outside the womb.

Minister O'Neill told the Assembly: “The justice minister and I will continue to work closely on the matter and we hope to bring forward proposals early in the new year.”

RTÉ. November 28.