NI abortion law changes referred to Human Rights Commission

The DUP's bill for a change in abortion law is to be debated in the NI Assembly next week

The NI Assembly has agreed to refer planned abortion legislation to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

DUP assembly member (MLA) Paul Givan brought forward the bill, which aims to prevent abortions for conditions such as Down's Syndrome and cleft palate.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said the bill should be considered by the commission.

She said this would ensure it is compatible with human rights.

Ms Bradshaw said her proposal was not a "commentary on the bill" but rather "a request for clarity".

A number of MLAs, including Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister, opposed Ms Bradshaw's move. Mr Allister accused her of "grandstanding".

Paul Givan said the bill was about removing discrimination against people with disabilities

Mr Givan's bill is to be debated by MLAs next week during its second reading.

Abortion laws in Northern Ireland changed last year following legislation passed at Westminster.

There is no time limit for terminations when there is a "substantial risk" a fetus would suffer a severe mental or physical impairment.

Campaigners for the bill have argued that the current law allows abortions without time limit for conditions such as Down's Syndrome.

The DUP is opposed to abortion, while Sinn Féin voted to change its stance in 2018 and supports it in most circumstances.

The SDLP, UUP and Alliance Party view abortion as a matter of conscience so it is up to individual MLAs how they vote on the issue.