§ Lord Braine of Wheatleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What aspects of the laws relating to abortion in Northern Ireland need clarifying and whether their desire to clear up the present uncertainty includes liberalising the law. [HL529]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)The existing statute law in Northern Ireland is unsatisfactory. It simply prohibits illegal abortions but does not specify the grounds on which abortions can be legally performed. There is a lack of clarity with regard to who should decide on abortions and on what grounds High Court Judges and the Standing Commission on Human Rights have commented critically on this uncertainty.
The Government have no plans to liberalise the law or to extend the Abortion Act 1967 to Northern Ireland. The Government recognise that this is a highly controversial and sensitive issue and wish to take a considered view before any decision on future action is taken. There would be full consultation with Northern Ireland elected representatives before any introduction of proposals for legislative change. Our strong preference would be for any legislation to be handled by a devolved administration or by way of a private Member's Bill from a Northern Ireland Member.