Brook statement on the High Court ruling that Northern Irish women must pay for NHS abortions in England

Published: 8 May 2014

Today (8 May 2014) the High Court in London has ruled that women who travel from Northern Ireland to England to access abortion are not entitled to a free procedure on the NHS.

Responding to the news, Brook's Deputy CEO Jules Hillier said:

"Brook is very disappointed by the High Court’s decision not to extend the right to free, safe, legal abortion through the NHS in England to residents of Northern Ireland.

"Young women are particularly affected by the harsh restrictions on abortion in Northern Ireland, as they are more likely not to have the resources necessary to travel, most often to England, and pay for a private abortion. Allowing women a free NHS abortion in England would have reduced the financial burden for many.

"We believe that the abortion law in Northern Ireland should be brought into line with the rest of the UK, so that all women, especially young women, are able to access the full range of reproductive healthcare they need, which includes abortion."

For media enquiries please contact Brook's press office on 07789 682831 or email press@brook.org.uk

Notes to editors

Brook believes that young people should have access to great sexual health services and wellbeing support.

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and education programmes, reaching nearly 235,000 young people nationwide every year.
 
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