• 30 March 2020

Statement regarding new abortion legislation for NI

A Statement from the Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Revd David McClay regarding the new legal framework for abortion services in Northern Ireland.

Tomorrow on 31 March, a new legal framework for abortion services in Northern Ireland will be implemented. Its issuing a few days ago went unnoticed by most of us including myself, until helpfully my attention was drawn to it by the Evangelical Alliance and others to whom I am most grateful.

This new piece of legislation comes at a time when we all continue to face into the Covid–19 pandemic.  This pandemic continues to impact all of us deeply personally as families.  Some of us find that we cannot spend the time we would wish with elderly parents, or the time we would want with children and grandchildren.  We are all realising that what we do with our bodies matters, that there are some rights and freedoms that we do need to set aside and sacrifice for the well–being of others and the common good of all.

This new piece of legislation also comes into effect at a time when we are all valuing our NHS who at great risk to themselves are demonstrating their commitment to save human life.  The same NHS workers will now be required to make possible ending the lives of untold numbers of babies in the womb.

These new regulations now to be implemented mean that anyone can ask for their pregnancy of up to 12 weeks to be terminated without the need to provide any reason.  As a church, the Church of Ireland has always opposed this.

There is another stage at 12–24 weeks where pregnancies may be terminated if they ‘would involve risk of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or girl, greater than the risk of terminating the pregnancy’. This has to be assessed by ‘two medical professionals’ with medical professionals designated as a doctor, a registered nurse or a registered midwife.  This is concerning because a risk to the mental health of someone, not requiring a medical diagnosis, can open the gate for what amounts to abortion on demand to continue through to 24 weeks.

The new legislation most shockingly permits abortion right up to birth where ‘if the child were born it would suffer such physical or mental impairment as to be seriously disabled.’ As followers of Christ we believe that all are made in the image of God, all are of inestimable value and in society and in our churches today we rightly try to ensure that all are valued, and none discriminated against. This piece of legislation has to be deeply upsetting for the many disabled who we love and value and who contribute so much to society today.

While we continue to face into all the issues that surround the Covid 19 pandemic it is important that we also unite in working together to undo this legislation. We can be heartened that in the ‘consultation period’ 79% of those who responded opposed the changes and yet these come into effect tomorrow.

In recent days we in the Church of Ireland in our daily lectionary bible readings have been following the story of Moses. His life like all lives was so precious that his mother and family risked much to save it.  I recognise that all of us in leadership, including our Assembly and Executive, face in these days many issues with the Coronavirus pandemic. You are in my prayers and in the prayers of many.  Our health care workers are also continually in our prayers and we thank God for you.

But when we move beyond this crisis and as we are able, let’s ask the Northern Ireland Assembly to revisit this and ensure that the lives of untold numbers of the most vulnerable are valued and protected. I would also make a plea that as Churches we would not be found wanting in supporting all mothers through their pregnancies. Personally, I promise to give a lead in this in any and in every way that I can.

May the peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
In the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you and remain with you always. Amen

Rt Revd David McClay
Bishop of Down and Dromore