28th May, 2018.
Can I make a confession, at this point?
That I’m no political philosopher.
I’m just someone who has opinions on things.
I should get paid more per hour, is one.
Cheese is ok, but only on a burger.
On a more serious note? I think leaving the European Union is a bad move … that the Iraq War that Blair and Bush authorised was a bad move …
And that access to abortions — terminations, if you want the less emotive name — is, if not a fundamental human right, then certainly a procedure that should be available to all.
Without hindrance: and regardless of my opinion.
I believe it should be available in several circumstances.
When the mother’s health — mental or physical — is in danger, when the foetus isn’t viable, when the woman has been raped, or when the pregnancy is a product of sexual abuse.
Yes: I’m aware that various forms of contraception can prevent things reaching the need for a termination … but also aware people can forget to take the pill, and that condoms split.
And that sometimes, we’re too drunk — or enthusiastic — to bother wearing a condom.
I’m aware — from some of the women I’ve spoken to — that’s it’s not the easiest procedure, emotionally, to undergo.
But, like them, feel it’s needed: and should be — as here in the UK — legislated for, and practised by trained medical personnel.
Whether a woman wants one? Is a whole other matter. But feel it should be available to her, should she feel it’s a needed option.
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As I’m sure you’re aware, the Republic of Ireland — a famously Catholic country that forbade abortions in it’s constitution — has had a referendum on whether it should allow the procedure.
With a two thirds majority voting in favour of allowing it.
Good for them.
I’m VERY aware that, in light of that referendum, people are asking why Northern Ireland — part of the island of Ireland, after all, as well as part of the UK — is still the only part of the UK that forbids abortions.
Forcing many who needed one to the mainland, in order to legally get one.
The republic’s decision to allow the procedure? Again, gives those woman a further option.
I’m also of the opinion that Northern Ireland’s laws on the subject should be nearer to those of both the mainland, AND the Republic.
Something that’s been highlighted by the Referendum.
Right at the moment?
There are calls for MPs at Westminster to force the issue through.
This is where I start to have problems.
Yes: I feel Northern Ireland’s laws should match the rest of the UK.
But, to the best of my own (limited) knowledge?
This is a devolved matter: one that should be handled by the currently suspended Northern Irish Assembly, rather than by Westminster.
Getting Westminster to force the issue?
Will do several things.
Will seriously affect the ability of the Assembly to function: as and when it resumes.
And sets a precedent for overruling the authority of the other devolved assemblies in the UK: allowing Westminster to ignore the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly.
And thus the will of the people.
I think Northern Ireland needs to reform its laws.
But that this needs doing by the Assembly, not Westminster.
Westminster doing it? Would be damaging democracy.
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