Rachel Maclean issued the following response on 23 June 2017:
I am aware that there have been a number of cases recently that have highlighted how the abortion law in Northern Ireland is different to the rest of the UK.
I also recognise that at present women from Northern Ireland coming to England for an abortion are asked for a payment, when other women from the UK don’t have to pay. The Government is proposing that this will no longer happen, and will be launching a consultation shortly. None of this changes the fundamental position that abortion in Northern Ireland itself is a devolved issue. It is therefore up to the people of Northern Ireland and their elected representatives in Stormont to address the need for change.
I understand, however, that in the particular case that you mention, a judge in Belfast has granted permission for a judicial review to be heard over the prosecution of the mother, as he believed that the case raised issues of considerable public importance and public debate. This will now be held in the autumn.
I will continue to follow this issue very closely.
A further response has been issued that may provide additional detail around a proposed amendment to the Queen's Speech on this issue:
I note your concerns about the recent proposed amendment to the Queen’s Speech in relation to Northern Irish women gaining access to NHS-funded abortions in England, and fully appreciate that this is a very delicate and sensitive issue. Abortion access is the topic of contentious and emotive debate. For this reason all MPs are free to vote with their conscience on abortion matters, rather in line with their parties, and I support this convention wholeheartedly. The Government wishes to see safe abortion services provided within the law to women who need them.
As a new MP I have explored this issue, and understand that the provision of abortions is a devolved issue. Devolved NHS authorities are responsible for providing healthcare to those resident in their regions.
However I am aware that following a recent Supreme Court judgement, which outlined the law surrounding the provision of abortions to Northern Irish women in England, the Government has announced that payment for abortions for Northern Irish women in the NHS will be met by the Government Equalities Office with additional funding.
This development does not alter the fact that the provision of abortion in Northern Ireland is a devolved issue, and the responsibility of politicians in Northern Ireland. The funding of NHS abortion services for Northern Irish women by the Government Equalities Office ensures these women safe access to legal abortions in England, without compromising the devolution of NHS services in the UK.
Date last updated: 10 July 2017.
As with all items in the FAQ Library, answers are subject to modification as events and circumstances change and evolve. If you would like an answer that is more specific to your circumstances, or to seek and up-to-date response, please email rachel.maclean.mp@parliament.uk.