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10/02/2016

DUP Calls For Working Group Following Abortion Law Challenge

The DUP has asked Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, to establish a working group to make recommendations as to how the issue of fatal foetal abnormality can be addressed.

In a statement, where the party said it opposed "any extension of the 1967 Act to Northern Ireland", it added: "The issue of fatal foetal abnormality has proved a sensitive and controversial matter in Northern Ireland which requires proper consideration by the Executive and Assembly.

"We believe that this issue should best be dealt with in a measured way rather than in haste and without the benefit of appropriate scrutiny. Rushed law can often turn out to be bad law.

"Indeed we understand that the Attorney General has concerns about these amendments. This justice bill was not intended for this purpose. The party will therefore oppose the various amendments on this issue."

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The DUP also said it had asked the Health Minister to establish a working group "including clinicians in the field and legally legally qualified persons to make recommendations as to how the issue of fatal foetal abnormality can be addressed including, if necessary, draft legislation. We would expect that they would consult with interested parties including those who have been affected."

They have asked that the group be established by the end of February, and the panel will be asked to report within six months.

It is understood the SDLP has since said it will engage with the working group on fatal foetal abnormality being set up by Health Minister and will vote against abortion amendments.

The call for the working group comes as MLAs in Northern Ireland debated motions in the Assembly regarding amending current abortion laws. If approved, the changes would legalise abortion in the case of babies with life-limiting conditions, as well the abortion of children conceived in rape.

The proposed amendments follow a High Court decision in December 2015.

The UK's 1967 Abortion Act has never been extended to Northern Ireland.

(JP/MH)

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"The DUP has asked Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, to establish a working group to make recommendations as to how the issue of fatal foetal abnormality can be addressed."