Illegal abortions in the UK carry a life sentence

The incorrect impression is regularly given in the Irish Examiner that women in this country are denied ‘control of their own bodies’ while neighbouring jurisdictions have such rights. One example is a letter by Jason Fitzharris (December 5).

The reality remains however, that despite a recent High Court judgement,abortion is only available on limited grounds in the North.

In her December 4 column, Alison O’Connor mentions that less than 10% of the Irish population were aware that women who procured an illegal abortion in this country could face a prison sentence of 14 years. A similar offence in Britain carries a potential life sentence.