Calls to change NI abortion law

Thousands of NI women go to Britain for abortions every year

A number of MPs in Westminster have called for a change in the abortion law in Northern Ireland.

It is 16 years since Parliament last properly considered the issue and some MPs say it is time to reconsider.

The 1967 Abortion Act legalised the practice in England and Wales. But it was never introduced in the province, where abortion is strictly limited.

The Liberal Democrat MP, Doctor Evan Harris, said the stricter rules in Northern Ireland ought to be changed.

However, Health Minister Caroline Flint said it was important to consider that there were particularly strong feelings on both sides of the debate.

Dr Harris said he believed there was "a strong argument" for extending the legalisation on abortion to all parts of this country.

"It is depressing, as I understand it, that the government have still not come up with the guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland, that was requested by judicial review, so that they know what they are permitted to do within that jurisdiction," he said.

The health minister acknowledged the depth of feeling about the issue in the province.

"We are aware of a body of opinion in Northern Ireland that considers the current law to be either unsatisfactory or unclear," she said.

However, she added that government also recognised the strength of feeling for not changing the existing legislative provision.

She said she would follow up the point about guidance for medical professionals with Northern Ireland ministers.

Abortions in the province are still strictly limited, and are only allowed when the expectant mother's life is in danger or when there is a serious long-term threat to her mental or physical health.