TUV leader Jim Allister has said he is “appalled” to hear that a new abortion clinic is due to open in Northern Ireland next week, a facility which he claims is not needed.
“The only circumstances under which abortion is legal in Northern Ireland is where there is a threat to the life of the mother,” he said.
“This means that abortion in Northern Ireland is exceedingly rare. With such provision under the NHS there is no need or room for an abortion clinic, unless in reality it plans a wider service.
“It is imperative that the police monitor the Stopes facility for any infringement of the law in Northern Ireland, including aiding and abetting abortion, and, in this regard, I will be pressing both DHSSPS and DOJ to ensure the law is rigorously enforced.”
He said he will be raising the issue in Stormont on Thursday, tabling the following questions:
“To ask the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an assurance that the operation of the proposed Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast will be closely monitored to ensure there are no infringements of the law on abortion in Northern Ireland.
“To ask the Minister of Justice for an assurance that the operation of the proposed Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast will be closely monitored to ensure there are no infringements of the law on abortion in Northern Ireland.”