| answer text |
<p>The Regulations we made, consistent with the duty placed on the Government under
section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2019, have been in
place since 31 March 2020. The Regulations provide a new framework for lawful access
to abortion services in Northern Ireland. The Regulations deliver equivalent outcomes
in practice to the rest of the UK so that women and girls can enjoy similar rights
in accessing abortion services locally in Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>Since April
2020, some service provision has commenced on the ground in Northern Ireland through
existing sexual and reproductive health clinics across most Health and Social Care
Trusts. According to figures released by the Department of Health in October 2020,
over 719 abortions have been provided to women and girls locally in Northern Ireland.</p><p>
</p><p>My Department and I are continuing to engage and work with the Northern Ireland
Health Minister and the relevant Northern Ireland departments, in implementing the
remaining CEDAW recommendations on matters for which they are responsible, including
the full commissioning of abortion services in line with the Regulations we made,
at the earliest opportunity.</p><p> </p>
|
|
