§ Mr. DonaldsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to review the abortion legislation in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [63040]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe suggestion that the law on abortion in Northern Ireland should be reviewed has been made on a number of occasions, most recently in the report of the All Party Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health, launched on 10 December 1998. I am still considering what, if any, action, should be taken in response to these suggestions.
I am, however, aware of the great strength of feeling on this issue, and the divergence of opinion that exists. I would want to reiterate most strongly the assurances already given by the Government, that we will not impose any change in Northern Ireland on this issue without consultation with elected representatives, including the Northern Ireland Assembly, and that any change would come about only with broad support from a cross-section of the people of Northern Ireland.