Author of ‘Abortion Law and Political Institutions’, Dr Jennifer Thomson of the University of Bath is available for media comment and interviews in response to this week's House of Commons Women & Equalities Committee report into abortion in Northern Ireland.

The report suggests the UK government must address the lack of clarity about abortion law in Northern Ireland in the absence of an Assembly in Stormont.

Dr Jennifer Thomson from the University's Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies, explains: “The Women and Equalities Select Committee Report on Abortion Law in Northern Ireland, published today, issues the starkest call yet from senior UK politicians that the restrictive and often confusing situation in the region must change.

“This report, addressing the continued absence of a functioning devolved Assembly in Belfast, calls on the UK Government instead to act to ensure that women’s human rights are being fully upheld, in line with the various international treaties that the UK is signatory to.

“This cross-party Committee of MPs, chaired by Conservative Maria Miller MP, are clearly throwing down the gauntlet to the UK Government, calling on them to act whilst the Assembly is suspended.

“Current legal proceedings by Northern Irish woman Sarah Ewart, a woman carrying a pregnancy with a fatal foetal abnormality who had to travel to England for a termination, are likely to soon see the Courts produce a similar opinion on government action.

“In light of today’s report and this ongoing legal battle, it is going to be increasingly difficult for Westminster to continue to do nothing regarding Northern Ireland and abortion law.”