Precious Life welcome new abortion guidelines

Precious Life welcome new abortion guidelines

Staff Reporter

Pro-life campaigners in the North have welcomed the publication of new abortion guidelines which they say protect the life of both mother and baby.

The guidelines, issued on the evening of Good Friday, follow years of debate on how to bring clarity to abortion practice in Northern Ireland, where unlike in Britain abortion is an offence save where there is a real danger to the life or health of the mother.

Arguably allowing for a more liberal interpretation of the existing law, the guidelines place more emphasis than before on the judgment of clinicians rather than psychiatrists. They also say that if an unborn child might be affected by medical treatment for its mother, health professionals should prioritise the health of the mother while attempting to preserve both lives.

“I am very pleased that the guidelines on abortion in Northern Ireland have clarified that the sole purpose of the law on abortion in Northern Ireland is the protection of both the mother and her unborn child,” Bernie Smyth of Precious Life said in a statement.

“I am hopeful that these guidelines will be used by the medical profession in Northern Ireland to ensure that both lives are treated and respected equally,” she added.

Health Minister Simon Hamilton said he hoped the guidance will help doctors, nurses and midwives deal with difficult cases, and that it took account of views expressed by health professionals and a 2013 public consultation.