Abortion comments 'out of step' with NI

Published Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Four out of five people in Northern Ireland believe that abortion should be allowed in rape cases, a survey has found - suggesting that recent controversial comments by a DUP MLA may be out of step with public opinion.

The abortion debate was reignited after Jim Wells spoke out in a radio debate. (© Pacemaker)

Abortion is illegal in Northern Ireland, except if the mother's life or mental health is at serious risk, and a spotlight was again thrown on the issue when Jim Wells said rape victims shouldn't be exempt.

The South Down MLA and future health minister insisted that the unborn child was the "ultimate victim" and should not be punished by termination when adoption was possible.

But, according to a survey carried out on behalf of the Family Planning Association, only one in five people share views similar to those of Mr Wells.

The laws on abortion in Northern Ireland are governed by the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act - it was invented before the lightbulb and before women could vote ...
Family Planning Association

When asked if abortion should be legal in cases of rape or incest, 59% of the nearly 1,400 respondents said yes - 18% said no, while the rest didn't know.

When asked if abortion should be legal in cases where the baby is at risk of serious and permanent defects, 42% said yes - 32% said no, while the rest didn't know.

Pro-life campaigners have said that the survey is not representative of public support.

"We've found that when people are given all the facts about abortion, they agree that it is never right to take the life of an unborn child under any circumstances," a Precious Life spokesperson said.

"Abortion cannot 'undo' a rape, it only kills the child. Our focus should be on harsher sentences for rapists, not imposing the death penalty on an innocent child."

The killing of an unborn child - even if conceived through rape or incest - is always wrong.
Precious Life

In the wake of Mr Wells' comments, the DUP moved to clarify the party's stance on the issue.

A spokesman said: "The DUP has consistently opposed the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland - a view which has been endorsed by the Northern Ireland public and is shared by almost all main political parties in the province.

"We would like to see as few abortions carried out as possible, but recognise that a small number of abortions are legally carried out in Northern Ireland and victims of rape may be included within this."

An anonymous survey of Stormont MLAs found that 66% of politicians agreed that abortion should be allowed in cases of rape, although only 36 MLAs responded.

"The woman is the victim and only the woman can decide what to do with the pregnancy," Audrey Simpson, director of the Family Planning Association, said.

"Not Mr Wells, not anybody else - not me, not you. Only the woman can decide."

She stressed that the Family Planning Association is pro-choice rather than pro-abortion and that it provides counselling which explores all available options and their consequences - not advice.

"I think you should ... We don't use those words," Ms Simpson added.

Mr Wells was unavailable for comment as he is currently on holiday.

Comments

42 Comments

jacqueline doherty in strabane tyrone wrote (253 days ago):

Lets fill this forum with praise for Jim Wells for speaking out courageously for the protection of the unborn conceived by rape. They were not in control of their conception, but we can speak up for their right to life.We should hear more warning bells when any organisation that make massive profits out of the abortions they provide is ever going to produce honest surveys. just because a law ie. The Offences Against The Persons Act was written in 1861 it dosn`t make it poor law it merely means we still respect human life even in the womb . Why should time passing change such a basic human right; surely such a law is timeless. Oh I forgot! The FPA think they are above the law and can hoodwink the Irish.Wake up and smell the roses. lol

Stickyblade in Belfast wrote (259 days ago):

This is one issue which I have very strong feelings about. At school I watched a film called the Silent Scream. This film was one which has stuck in my head and will never live it. I disgree with abortion I think a child is a miracle and one that alot of females in my family have not been gifted with. I myself am aware and have always grew up with a feeling that I will not be able to have a child myself. Although if this was conceived though a soul destroying act of rape. I think after alot of thought, information and talking to alot of consultants etc. I think she should be allowed to make her own decision. If the female decides to have an abortion then they should receive help after the decision. I would be afraid of some females tryin to take advantage of this, there is always someone.

Ryan in Belfast wrote (260 days ago):

Keep abortion out of our society, its completey rejected by the vast majority of people and should never be made legal. I understand the arguement for it in the cases of rape of a girl but im personally undecided on where i stand on that issue.

Clare Paradi in Belfast wrote (260 days ago):

I would like to congratulate our MLA Jim Wells on his stance on life. He is totally 'in-step' with the overwhelming majority of people in N.Ireland and not 'out of step' as the FPA seems to suggest. Their analysis of the situation here in regards to allowing the abortion, or to call a spade a spade - the murder of an unborn child who was conceived through the terrible crime of rape is completely and utterly ridiculous. How can 812 people out of a total survey of 1,376 (who were asked the question - should abortion be allowed for rape cases) be called 'the vast majority! this is total and utter nonsense, The actual vast majority of people here in Ireland both North and South are and have been adamently pro-life and wish to have this ethos upheld in legislation. Another twisted statistic used by the FPA was to suggest that the majority of our MLA's would be in favour of a change in legislation to support abortion for rape cases. AGAIN, how can 24 MLA's out of 108 be a majority! Abortion is a crime in the law and so is abortion. Compassion must be shown to the woman and if a child is conceived through rape, then compassion must be shown to them also. There are 2 victims of the rape in that case. The murder of that unborn child DOES NOT solve that rape nor does it heal/help the woman. Our society has had enough blood shedding without the introduction of further murdering of innocent victims of crime.Compassion shown to the most vunerable and needy in our society is the mark of a mature and functioning society. Isn't it ironic that the FPA, whose sole purpose is to promote abortion, are the same organization to disseminate such misleading and factually untrue statistics to further their own aims and financial prospects! Well done to all pro-life groups, our courageous MLA's who stand up for life.

Thomas Friel in Londonderry wrote (261 days ago):

Why can't these unfortunate women allow the pregnancy go to full term and then give the child up for adoption?There are many child-less couples out there who would gladly adopt the child.

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