Abortion debate - Effect of North’s ruling

While we in the Republic are about to begin a debate on abortion, the High Court in the North has ruled that its restrictive laws on the subject violate human rights.

Unlike in other parts of the UK, abortions are banned in the North, except where the life or mental health of the mother is in danger.

The decision, while applicable only to the North, is bound to have persuasive judicial force south of the border.