With Northern Ireland’s local elections approaching on Thursday May 2, SPUC is encouraging all voters to be aware of their candidate’s position on abortion, and vote pro-life.
With Northern Ireland’s pro-life culture currently under attack by those who would see abortion decriminalised until at least the 24th week of pregnancy, it is imperative that all voters who believe in upholding equality and human rights, vote only for candidates committed to defending the lives of all children.
Northern Ireland’s culture of life
Northern Ireland is currently the only territory left within the United Kingdom that has resisted widescale abortion as the 1967 Abortion Act did not extend into the North. Instead, the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act still applies in Northern Ireland protecting human life.
As Health was one of the devolved powers transferred to the Northern Ireland Assembly, any change to abortion law must be made by those elected officials. Pro-abortion campaigners however have appeared keen to disregard the devolved position of Northern Ireland in continuously pressuring the Westminster Government to impose abortion upon the North.
Currently in Northern Ireland, abortion remains illegal. It is only permitted in the rare circumstance to preserve the life of the mother under the Infant Life Preservation Act. Pro-abortion campaigners however are aiming to overthrow the pro-life laws which protect Northern Ireland’s unborn children and see abortion decriminalised in the territory.
Using your vote to protect unborn children
It is imperative that all Northern Irish voters remain informed of the position of political parties.
- Sinn Féin - Sinn Féin consistently puts the interests of the British abortion industry ahead of the lives of Northern Ireland’s unborn babies. The party backs the campaign by abortion extremists in the House of Commons to strip unborn children of all meaningful legal protection and impose abortion on demand on Northern Ireland, at least up to 24 weeks.
- SDLP - While many in the party still support the right to life, party leader, Colum Eastwood, has joined the pro-abortion lobby in calling for unborn babies to be stripped of all meaningful legal protection. Contact SDLP to find out where the candidates in your area stand on protecting the right to life of all our children. Call SDLP Headquarters on 9024 7700 or email info@sdlp.ie
- Aontú - Opposition to abortion was central to the formation of Aontú and it is the only party that has the right to life embedded within its constitution. It is opposed to any change in Northern Ireland’s current abortion laws. The party says it seeks to ensure that "all human life is innately valued." Call 00353 87 2707985 or email peadartoibin@gmail.com
- Alliance - Although the Alliance Party says abortion is a matter of "personal conscience", in practice Alliance politicians are amongst the leading advocates of liberal abortion law. In 2013 all eight Alliance MLAs voted against legislation which would have prevented commercial abortion providers operating in Northern Ireland. Find out where exactly the Alliance candidates in your area stand call 9047 4630 or email alliance@allianceparty.org
- People before Profit and the Green Party - Both People before Profit and the Green Party are radically pro-abortion and support making abortion lawful for any reason, at least up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
- Ulster Unionist Party- The Ulster Unionist permits a free vote on abortion. Some UUP politicians oppose the liberalisation of our laws while others actively support it. Contact the party on 9047 4630 or email uup@uup.org and ask where the candidates in your area stand on the right to life of unborn.
- Democratic Unionist Party - The DUP opposes any attempt to weaken Northern Ireland's law on abortion at Stormont or Westminster.
- Traditional Unionist Voice - The TUV is staunchly opposed to the liberalisation of our abortion laws and has warned that legislation introduced in other parts of the world to allow for abortions on medical grounds has effectively led to abortion on demand.
Ensuring your voice is heard
It is crucial that each citizen’s pro-life vote and voice is heard. SPUC is encouraging all voters to explore the avenues below and keep the North pro-life.
- Tell all candidates and canvassers that they must reject any changes to Northern Ireland’s lifesaving laws on abortion.
- Tell pro-life politicians they must speak out in defence of the unborn.
- Tell your family, friends and colleagues how important this issue is.
- Please pray our pro-abortion politicians have a change of heart.