To remind you about NI

[NowforNI]

There’s been a lot of discussion (and condemnation) on these threads about abortion laws in Alabama.

We still don’t have safe, legal abortion in all of the UK. 28 women a week have to travel from Northern Ireland to the mainland because they do not have access to the same medical services as women in the rest of the UK, despite paying for the NHS through taxation.

Women’s reproductive rights and autonomy over their own bodies are worth fighting for - please consider emailing your MP to keep this on the agenda.

Thank you!

nowforni.uk/#email

PS I’m not formally linked to the Now for NI campaign, I just think it’s bloody important

[LindsayDentonsCat]

Absolutely. It just goes to show how insignificant NI is in the minds of many British people, that there has been so much outrage about US abortion law (rightly) and yet so little about the lack in reproductive rights for Northern Irish women.

[Alsohuman]

It beats me how NI politicians can take this stance when abortion has been legal in the rest of the UK for 52 years. I’m surprised NI women aren’t kicking up far more of a stink about it.

[fancynancyclancy]

LindsayDentonsCat Completely agree.

[Justheretosee]

Precisely LindsayDentonsCat

[whatwouldbigfatfannydo]

I wholeheartedly support this. You aren't forgotten about.

[NowforNI]

It’s a devolved issue - but Stormont isn’t sitting. Westminster has the power to intervene but isn’t, arguably to prop up the agreement with the DUP.

Either way, politics mean that women don’t have access to care.

Banning abortion only prevents safe, legal abortion. It doesn’t stop backstreet abortions. It increases health inequalities as those who can afford to travel. It disproportionately impacts vulnerable women.

[LindsayDentonsCat]

But it isn't just an issue that NI women can solve on their own by "kicking up a stink" Alsohuman . The online activism around Alabama has highlighted that few people consider the voices of NI women to be relevant. This is an issue everyone needs to "kicking up a stink" about: men, English people, Scottish people, Welsh people, Westminster politicians...

[badlydrawnperson]

I mentioned this on the Alabama thread but I got slapped down by some on the basis that NI hasn't reverted to this but has always been that way.

Surely if its wrong, its wrong?

[Alsohuman]

I completely appreciate that NI women can’t solve it on their own. But you would expect to hear from them every now and then. Women in the Republic were a lot more vocal.

[flashbac]

I think there's more outrage because Alabama shows how quickly and easily women's rights can be taken away. Going backwards on women's rights is more shocking than staying still.

[LindsayDentonsCat]

I don't think the British media gives a platform to NI people in general, maybe that's why you don't hear from them. After the GFA Northern Ireland disappeared from national media, because, you know, all issues had been solved, thanks to Clinton and New Labour.

[gamerwidow]

I emailed my MP James Brokenshire you’ll be unsurprised to know he gave no fucks about this. Up to the people of NI apparently, nothing he can do

[Alsohuman]

I think that’s true but my husband’s from Belfast and I’ve never heard it raised as an issue when I’ve been there. Maybe I talk to the wrong women.

[happyhillock]

The women in NI can come to Scotland and get a free abortion and free travel, NI doesn't contribute to Scotland's economy, the free travel and abortion is paid from the Scottish budget, that grates on me.

[gamerwidow]

I think that’s true but my husband’s from Belfast and I’ve never heard it raised as an issue when I’ve been there.
It’s because it’s one of those things that won’t really affect you until you actually need an abortion. It doesnt affect everyday life most of the time. I’ve known about the situation in NI for ages but filed it under ‘something I don’t need to think about’ which was selfish and stupid because of course it should concern all UK women.

[Justheretosee]

Has that always been the case *? I know a few woman who have travelled over to England/Scotland for abortions but as far as I know they paid for everything, including private abortion clinic, I remember one girl did look into having it done on the NHS but was shot down as GP was N.I.

It seems that we are so far behind in many a right here that atm they are just choosing what they see as the biggest and tbh it would be brilliant if we were brought into the 21st century on all accounts!

[implantsandaDyson]

Alsohuman I'm in Belfast and I talk about it a lot - with my friends, with my family especially my mum and with my eldest daughter recently. I talk about it with every politician and councillor that had the audacity to ring my bell asking for my vote. I asked Penny Mordant about it on the last MN chat fiasco. I dont talk about it on MN much anymore but in real life I can go all day.

[Justheretosee]

Sorry happyhillock I thought I had tagged you in the prev. Comment

[NowforNI]

I’m inclined to think that trying to work out which is worse is unhelpful - the fact is women are denied care in both places.

Full disclosure: I’m not from NI, although I have family there. My (Tory) MP didn’t give a shit either. However I personally don’t think the devolution argument washed: 1) because it’s a 1861 law from Westminster that criminalises abortion, which could be revoked. NI politicians would then have to it, as a devolved issue, if they felt they had the democratic mandate to. 2) My personal view is that it’s a health issue not a political one. Decisions about access to health care are largely apolitical in the UK - organisations like NICE rightly sit at arms length from government. Abortion should be treated in the same way (I know this will be a bit controversial to some)

[LindsayDentonsCat]

Women from NI can come to England for free abortions too. And you know what happyhillock it doesn't grate on me in the slightest. I'm glad they have that option.

[rosesandveg]

Actually, women here are talking about it. Unfortunately the lack of government means no new laws can be passed, and the political situation in Westminster means that nothing will be forced through. People want change here but the politicians are not working for the people in any respects.

[NowforNI]

That as meant to say: NI politicians would then have to recriminalise it

[gamerwidow]

Yes I’m not happy with the devolution argument either. It’s a public health issue.

[gamerwidow]

Women from NI can come to England for free abortions too. And you know what happyhillock it doesn't grate on me in the slightest. I'm glad they have that option
Me too, I don’t begrudge them a penny.

[NowforNI]

@happyhillock it grates on me that they don’t have access to care without travelling.

And by “grates on me” I mean really fucks me off.