The Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill is currently progressing through the legislative process of the Northern Ireland Assembly, having passed the Committee Stage.
The Bill removes a provision of the current abortion legislation in Northern Ireland which permits late term abortions to be performed on babies diagnosed with disabilities such as Down’s syndrome, cleft palate, and cleft lip or club foot.
Overwhelming support has been offered to the Bill, with 99% of the 9,125 submissions made through Stormont’s Health Committee consultation process favouring the proposed life-affirming changes.
The anti-discrimination campaigner Heidi Crowder, who herself has Down’s syndrome, has been a staunch advocate for the proposals:
“I’m so happy that the Bill has passed this stage and I’m so happy to have been a part of this, especially getting the chance to speak to the Northern Ireland Health Committee. I am told that the Bill will move on to the next stage and I will keep talking about this to everyone, and help where I can, because the law as it is, is downright discrimination.”
You can read more about the Bill here