0
items
£0
What do I do if I need an abortion?
Please see http://www.alliance4choice.com/i-need-an-abortion-now for all booking information
Up to 12 weeks on request, signed off by one healthcare professional (a nurse, midwife or doctor)
Between 12 and 24 weeks if ‘continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman which is greater than if the pregnancy were terminated.’ In plain speak this can be interpreted as any pregnancy is of greater risk to a person carried to full term than it is to end it early.
12-24 weeks abortion care needs signed off by two healthcare professionals.
Up to term if:-
· the termination is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant person
· the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant person which is greater than if the pregnancy were terminated.
· Severe foetal impairment or fatal foetal abnormality
This must be signed off by two healthcare professionals
The regulations do not allow for the home use of both sets of abortion pills, the Health Minister has the power to change this. There is no clinical need for the first set of abortion pills to be taken under supervision and not at home. Contrary to comments made by anti-choice politicians, the regulations do not allow for abortion to term for the reason of disability, only severe foetal impairment or fatal foetal abnormality. The regulations do not introduce ‘abortion on demand’. Up to 12 weeks abortion will be available without needing to give anyone a reason, one healthcare professional simply certifies this. After 12 weeks the abortion must be for mental or physical health reasons, and approved by two healthcare professionals.
The regulations do not allow for ‘buffer zones’, which would protect people seeking abortion care, and staff, from harassment. Instead the regulations suggest a ‘wait and see’ approach.
Is abortion decriminalised?
Partially
Abortion was decriminalised in October 2019, however these regulations introduce a new criminal sanction for healthcare professionals. If healthcare professionals act outside the regulations this is illegal, punishable by a level 5 criminal fine. This is a serious criminal offence and may lead to being struck off. We are concerned that in order to protect themselves from accusations of breaking the law healthcare professionals will feel they need to have ‘proof’ they acted within the regulations, this will likely be a deterrent for some who wish to provide and cause delays for some people who need an abortion.
It is important to note anyone performing their own abortion, for example by using safe pills obtained through Women Help Women or Women on Web, will not be committing an offense.
What about conscientious objection?
No healthcare professional will be required to actively participate in an abortion if they have a conscientious objection, unless the treatment is necessary to save a life or is only ancillary rather than direct care.
While we welcome the introduction of these regulations, they fall far short of what is needed. The majority of abortions take place before 12 weeks, however we believe there should be no time limit on abortion care, there is no clinical reason for these arbitrary restrictions.
There is no clinical reason to require two healthcare professionals to sign off an abortion, this should be removed. This measure treats abortion differently to other healthcare procedures, creates unnecessary bureaucracy, and is stigmatising.
There is an urgent need for the home use of both sets of abortion pills, and remote abortion consultation by telephone or video chat. We need these measures not only because of the COVID19 but also to help address barriers related to lack of transport, childcare,
· We need training for healthcare professionals, and the removal of the threat of criminal prosecution.
· We need the introduction of buffer zones without waiting for harassment to happen, which is inevitable.
· We need a public awareness campaign from the Department of Health, so that it doesn’t fall to grassroots activists to spread the word about abortion access.
· We need the implementation of the remaining CEDAW recommendations committed to in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019, including comprehensive sex and relationship education.
· We need reproductive justice, this includes affordable childcare, access to contraception, suitable maternity care, and support for parents – as well as accessible abortion.
· We need free, safe, legal, accessible abortion for everyone who wants or needs it.
What can I do?
Share this information on the new abortion regulations far and wide.
Sign and share our petition calling for the introduction of remote abortion consultations. https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/allow-remote-abortion-provision-in-ni
Sign up to our mailing list for updates https://mailchi.mp/96f1c837762f/repealthesequel