Abortion – 15 April 2020

PRESS RELEASE: INFORMING CHOICES NI TO PROVIDE CENTRAL ACCESS POINT TO LOCAL ABORTION SERVICES

Today, Informing Choices NI, has launched a Central Access Point which will provide a pathway into local abortion services in Northern Ireland. This follows the introduction of a new legal framework which took effect from 31 March 2020.

An interim early medical abortion service (up to 9 weeks and 6 days gestation) will now be provided through existing sexual and reproductive health services in the Belfast, Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trusts. This is an emergency response to the COVID-19 situation.

Accessing this healthcare will involve attending a local clinic to take the first abortion pill while the second set of pills can be taken at home.

Women from across Northern Ireland can avail of this service by calling the Central Access Point, 028 9031 6100, between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Commenting on this development Dr Audrey Simpson, Chairperson of Informing Choices NI, said:

“We are delighted to provide this interim Central Access Point to enable access to early medical abortion services in our local health Trusts.

“We stand by women and girls and all pregnancy choices. Anyone can contact our helpline and be assured they will be offered non-directive information and, where necessary, referred on to services.”

END

Informing Choices NI will continue to provide pregnancy choices and post pregnancy counselling.