Press Releases28 Feb 13

Church Of Ireland Board For Social Theology Responds To Proposed Legislation On Abortion

In the light of proposed legislation regarding abortion in private clinics in Northern Ireland, the Revd Adrian Dorrian, Chair of the Church’s Board for Social Theology, had this to say:

The Church of Ireland Board for Social Theology in Action continues to affirm the sanctity of all human life, including the life of the unborn child. Termination of pregnancy is never a desirable outcome, although in some extreme medical cases it may be necessary. This is a hugely significant moral issue and consequently legal grey areas are undesirable. It remains imperative, therefore, that where termination of a pregnancy is carried out, it is done so to the highest possible standards of clinical professionalism and with appropriate oversight. Where there are questions about the efficacy of such oversight, such as in a private healthcare setting, the Board welcomes attempts by government to ensure that standards will not be compromised.