Abortion: Assembly's fatal foetal abnormality working group revealed

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the group would report back with its proposals by the end of September

The names of six officials, who make up the Assembly's working group on fatal foetal abnormality, have been revealed.

The group was first proposed in February, when the assembly voted against allowing women to terminate pregnancies under such circumstances.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the group would report back with its proposals by the end of September.

It held its first meeting on 14 July, but its members were unknown.

Chief medical officer, Michael McBride will chair the group. The others are chief nursing officer, Charlotte McArdle; chief social services officer, Seán Holland; Department of Health secondary care directorate, Jackie Johnston; departmental solicitor's officer, Hugh Widdis; and the department of justice's, Brian Grzymek and Amanda Patterson.

The group will work on an outreach basis engaging with women and families directly impacted by fatal foetal abnormality

The group will work on an outreach basis engaging with women and families directly impacted by fatal foetal abnormality.

Health professionals will also be involved.

The executive and the health committee have been informed of the appointments and the group's terms of reference.