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<p>The Department of Health and Social Care has now published the 2020 statistics
on abortion in England and Wales. In 2020, there were 371 abortions in England and
Wales for women from Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>I would note that over 1,100
women and girls have been able to access local abortion services since April last
year - and this should not be overlooked at a time where the services have not been
formally commissioned. It is, however, very distressing to hear that even throughout
the Covid-19 pandemic, some women and girls have still been forced to travel, at a
time where it is even more crucial for local access to healthcare to be available.
We put on record our thanks to the medical professionals who have ensured that women
and girls have had some access to abortion services in Northern Ireland to date, and
the organisations that have supported this work.</p><p> </p><p>However, progress must
be made towards properly commissioning services so that safe, local abortion services
are fully available as a healthcare service in Northern Ireland. The current situation
is not acceptable. If there continues to be no progress, the Secretary of State for
Northern Ireland will issue a direction using his powers under the Abortion (Northern
Ireland) Regulations 2021, to ensure that services are commissioned and delivered
according to the 2018 Report of the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination
Against Women.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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