Whose life is it, anyway?

In Northern Ireland there is complete and total political agreement on the opposition to legal abortion and there is much variation within and between hospitals in decision making about which abortions are acceptable.

Abstract

Abortion will be needed by women until every baby is wanted single parenthood stigma is removed contraception is infallible and social and economic conditions are acceptable. Abortion decision making should rest with the woman who must live with the consequences of her decision. In Northern Ireland there is little respect for womans right to choose how to deal with unwanted pregnancy. The stigma is very strong against abortion. Women who have illegal abortions in Northern Ireland or secretive abortions in England are expected to suffer from postabortion guilt and not relief from the unwanted pregnancy. Women often suffer unwanted pregnancies alone; the example was given of a woman who hid her pregnancy until the 38th week and then was sent across the border to deliver and given the baby up for adoption: all without notice by her family. The woman lived a nightmare of deception or 41 weeks. Support for continuing a pregnancy is provided by the Roman Catholic Cura during the pregnancy and until the birth. Many people want to believe that there is no demand for abortion in Northern Ireland. Yet the facts are that 2000 Northern Irish women travel to London or Liverpool and back annually for abortions. The return within 24 or 48 hours is accompanied by fatigue bleeding pain and loneliness. The cost is high at 300 pounds. The Ulster Pregnancy Advisory Association counsels and refers women to English clinics but access to information is limited and the subject itself is taboo. Where the cost is too expensive illegal abortion may be obtained in Northern Ireland at a reduced fee of 100 pounds which includes a 30 pound sum for the paramilitaries. Reports of deaths from illegal abortion numbered 5 since 1967. Hospitals perform abortions under certain circumstances. There is much variation within and between hospitals in decision making about which abortions are acceptable. There are legal conflicts between existing laws: the 1861 Offense Against the Persons Act and the Infant Life Act of 1929. Resolution of these conflicts was removed by the 1967 Abortion Act which is not applicable in Northern Ireland but allows abortion up to 28 weeks gestation. In Northern Ireland there is complete and total political agreement on the opposition to legal abortion.