Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020

Baroness Barker Excerpts

Monday 15th June 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barker (LD)]

The procedure imposed by the Leader of the House is wholly inadequate, and proper scrutiny of government is failing.

For over a year Parliament has discussed how it will enable woman and girls in Northern Ireland to access safely the healthcare they need. Consultation has been extensive and transparent, both here and in Northern Ireland. Abortion is now decriminalised but remains highly regulated, as it should be, and staff uphold legal and professional standards. Women who have been raped or abused can now obtain the treatment they need close to home; Northern Ireland no longer exports the problem. Women whose 20-week scan reveals that they have severe foetal abnormalities will now have access to the safe services they need. These regulations should be supported and fully implemented as soon as possible for the benefit of all women in Northern Ireland.