Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The data published today by the Department of Health on abortions in HSC Hospitals only shows the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the issue in Northern Ireland. While there have been 63 abortions in HSC Hospitals in 2020/2021 in November of last year I had it confirmed by way of written answer that 2,394 notifications of termination had been received by the Department since the law changed in March 2020.
“Transparency from the Department when it comes to the issue of abortion has been sadly lacking. I am still waiting for a breakdown of abortions carried out in each Health Trust – information I requested in a written question at the end of November and which should have been provided within 10 days.
“Every little life lost under the current abortion regulations it is one too many but it is important that people know that the total figure since our laws changed as of November was 2,394, far greater than the figure being reported today may suggest.”
Note to editors
Mr Allister’s question and the answer received on 17th November 2021 was as follows:
To ask the Minister of Health how many abortions have been performed since the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 commenced on 31 March 2020.
Answer:
As at 15 November 2021, 2394 notifications of termination had been received by the Department as required under the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No 2) Regulations 2020.