SPUC is to fund a legal action against the UK government’s move to impose abortion on Northern Ireland. Liam Gibson, SPUC’s Northern Ireland Political Officer said: “By supporting our legal action people will be giving a voice to the thousands of innocent children whose lives will be lost if this power grab is allowed to succeed.”
SPUC hopes to raise in excess of £100,000 to cover the court costs which will challenge the powers given to Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis, to implement a “fully-funded abortion service” in Northern Ireland.
A powerful legal team has been assembled to fight the battle which is seen as crucial for the continuation of the pro-life battle in the Province.
SPUC is joining forces with the Centre for Bioethical Reform Northern Ireland (CBR NI) to mount a challenge to the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021.
SPUC’s Liam Gibson said: “Men and women from all political backgrounds, faiths and traditions who view the right to life as the fundamental human right need to stand up and demand that the London government listens.
“By supporting our legal action people will be speaking out against these illegitimate and unconstitutional Regulations. They will also be giving a voice to the thousands of innocent children whose lives will be lost if this power grab is allowed to succeed.”
“A disgraceful power grab”
Last week, the House of Commons voted to back the regulations by 431 votes to 89.
Mr Gibson stressed that abortion is a devolved matter. He said: “This is a disgraceful power grab by the Westminster Government. If allowed to stand it will not only condemn to death an untold number of unborn babies but fatally undermine the devolution settlement as well.
“By seizing the power over our abortion laws, London is stripping locally elected Ministers of power and have denied the people an accountable government with a democratic mandate.
“We are calling for all pro-life voices to unite in backing this case. The politicians making the decisions about our abortion laws must be accountable to the people of Northern Ireland. This is essential if full legal protection for unborn children is ever to be restored.”
“Take back control of our laws”
Pastor Clive Johnston of CBR NI said: “We are more than delighted to warmly welcome the decision by SPUC to collaborate with us and provide their powerful financial support and renowned campaigning abilities at a critical time for the abolitionist movement in this country…
“By joining forces, sharing resources and being represented by a stellar legal team we hope to reverse these regulations and take back control of our laws.”
To make a donation to the legal fighting fund go to the website: www.spuc.org.uk/Donate