SPUC is calling on the Northern Ireland Minister for Health, Robin Swann MLA to refuse to implement new abortion regulations imposed on the Province by Boris Johnson’s Government.  Philip Lynn, SPUC Northern Ireland Development Officer said: "It is unconscionable that Mr Swann should make himself an accomplice in the imposition of this draconian abortion regime. He has a moral obligation not to oversee the legalised killing of unborn children."

The Northern Ireland Office’s (NIO) abortion framework, which came into effect 31 March, permits abortion on demand during the 12 weeks of pregnancy and up to 24 weeks for non-specific health or social grounds such as the mother’s financial difficulties or relationship problems. There would be no time limit when a child is disabled or for self-induced abortions.

Mr Lynn said: “While the pro-life movement welcomes reports of a delay in the implementation of medical abortions in local healthcare trusts, this does not change the situation that Northern Ireland now has one of the most extreme abortion regimes in Europe.

“The abortion regulations published by the London Government lack all legitimacy and should not be implemented at all.

“Seventy-nine per cent of responses to the Northern Ireland Office’s public consultation were opposed to the Government’s framework. Robin Swann, as a Minister of the Northern Ireland Government, should refuse to cooperate with this barbaric law.

“It is unconscionable that Mr Swann should make himself an accomplice in the imposition of this draconian abortion regime. He has a moral obligation not to oversee the legalised killing of unborn children. He should resign rather than accept responsibility for the deliberate killing of innocent children. Abortion is not healthcare. Abortion is an act of lethal violence against unborn children and there is no acceptable level of violence against children.”

Mr Lynn said that SPUC was taking legal advice on the question of so-called “telemedicine” abortions called for by Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. This would allow for the prescription of abortifacient drugs, online or in person, to be taken at home. These abortions involve the ingestion of two pills; the first of which kills the unborn child while the second expels the baby’s remains.

Mr Lynn said “We are currently considering the possibility of an application for a judicial review in the event of a decision to introduce so-called home abortions. If the department of health in Northern Ireland should decide on such a step we believe there may be grounds for legal action. Such proposals completely fail even the flimsy standards set by pro-abortion advocates themselves offering zero safeguards for vulnerable women facing difficult pregnancies.”