It is my view that abortion is a highly sensitive, highly important matter of debate that should qualify as a moral issue rather than a political one. That being said, I am aware that there have been a number of cases recently that have highlighted how the abortion law in Northern Ireland is different to the rest of the UK. In my opinion, this particular problem if of a legal nature and should be addressed as such.
Right now, women from Northern Ireland coming to England for an abortion are asked for a payment, when other women from the UK don't have to pay. The Government is proposing that this will no longer happen. However, it is important to know that none of this changes the fundamental position that abortion in Northern Ireland itself is a devolved issue. It is therefore up to the people of Northern Ireland and their elected representatives in Stormont to address the need for change.
I am aware that that in this particular case, a judge in Belfast has granted permission for a judicial review to be heard over the prosecution of the mother, as he believed that the case raised issues of considerable public importance and public debate. This will now be held in the autumn.
Regardless of the difference of opinions in this historical debate on abortion, I can assure you that this matter is being treated fairly within the legal framework.
