We hope to welcome the decriminalisation of abortion in NI on 22nd October 2019. We thought it would be useful to outline the possibilities and address any myths that are already in circulation about what this means.

The purpose of this guide is to outline that decriminalisation does not mean deregulation. If abortion were decriminalised as recommended by the UN CEDAW inquiry, legislated for in Westminster, and supported by many medical bodies, it would be subject to the same laws and regulations that govern all healthcare procedures. It would be regulated in the same way as, for example, maternity care.

Consent, safeguarding, and professional guidance are embedded in everyday medical practice and are regulated in Northern Ireland by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.

It is likely that we will welcome the decriminalisation of abortion in NI on 22nd October 2019. We thought it would be useful to outline the possibilities and address any myths that are already in circulation about what this means. The purpose of this guide is to outline that decriminalisation does not mean deregulation.