Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has expressed his outrage that there has been no movement on addressing the question of the abortion law on fatal foetal abnormalities, despite the DUP’s promises.

Mike Nesbitt MLA said: 

“Last February the Assembly debated a proposal to amend the law to permit abortion in the limited but very difficult area of fatal foetal abnormalities and the DUP kicked the can down the road by calling on the then Health Minister Simon Hamilton to set up a working group to report within six months.

“At the time, I accused the DUP of using the proposal as a substitute for a petition of concern, describing the refusal to make a decision as Dickensian, with Stormont as a form of Bleak House where petitioners arrive in hope but leave in despair.

“Four months on, it appears that the working group has either never met, or is on hold. In answer to a written question, the new Health Minister Michelle O’Neill has confirmed the names of the panel members and the terms of reference were agreed only in principle, but the group never met. Further, the Minister makes clear her intention is to take her time before moving the issue forward.

“The result is that it is now highly likely the group may not have met for the first time when the six months is up, never mind completing its work.

"This is extraordinary, by any standards, but when the issue is abortion, it is truly Dickensian to dash hopes and renege on promises made, impressions created, and hopes ignited, only to be dashed.”

Written Question and answer below: 

AQW 1085/16-21

Mr Mike Nesbitt
Ulster Unionist Party
Strangford

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the inter-departmental working group established to consider fatal foetal abnormalities, including its (i) membership; (ii) meeting dates; (iii) terms of reference; and when she expects the group to report its findings. 


Answer:

The membership and Terms of Reference of the Working Group were agreed in principle only in the last mandate. The Group did not meet. I want to give the handling of the issue careful and measured consideration and I want to engage women who have experience of dealing with fatal fetal abnormality in the process.