Responding to a speech by International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt at an event hosted by the Canadian High Commission yesterday, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Campaign Manager, said:

“We very much welcome the Development Secretary championing abortion rights on a global scale and speaking out in support of women’s right to freedom and choice over their own bodies. The roll-back on reproductive rights in some places around the world is deeply concerning and must be addressed. 

“However, we must not forget the grave and urgent situation that exists within the UK. Northern Ireland has a near total ban on abortion which is causing serious harm to women and girls. 

“If the UK is to truly be a leader on women’s reproductive health, it needs to change Northern Ireland’s shameful law so that women in all parts of the UK have access to free, safe and legal abortion. 

“The UK Government must deliver necessary change, and we will continue to engage with Minister Mordaunt as Women and Equalities Minister to bring this injustice to an end.”