The Clinic Over The Sea (Press, 25 January 1978)

ANNE McHARDY, writing for the “Guardian” on 25 January 1978, highlights the pressing situation in Northern Ireland regarding reproductive rights, drawing parallels with New Zealand. The introduction of divorce and homosexual law reform is imminent, as Roy Mason plans to implement legislation through Orders in Council to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the United Kingdom. However, Mason will not extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland, meaning that women seeking abortions will continue to be compelled to travel to England. Mrs. Joan Wilson, the director of the Ulster Pregnancy Advisory Association (UPAA), operates a charity dedicated to assisting women with unplanned pregnancies who are forced to travel across the water for abortions. Established six years earlier, the UPAA provides counselling, clinic bookings, and travel assistance but operates under the stringent Northern Irish law that only permits legal abortions in cases where a woman's mental or physical health is at risk, or if the unborn child has a physical abnormality. Despite these regulations, an estimated 250 to 500 women still pursue abortions annually. Last year, a confirmed 1,118 women from Northern Ireland travelled to England for the procedure, with the actual number likely being double. Many women navigate this process by using the address of relatives or friends in Britain to access National Health Service abortions, which are not available to Northern Irish residents. The UPAA discreetly advertises its services and receives referrals from health professionals. In practice, Mrs. Wilson and her team facilitate the process for women seeking abortions by offering supportive advice. If a pregnancy test yields positive results, women are sent to one of six interviewers for further assistance. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, arrangements are made for the women to visit various clinics across England, with logistical support from UPAA. However, financial constraints significantly hinder many women’s abilities to obtain the procedure, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. The cost of travel, combined with clinic fees, often makes the process more expensive for Northern Irish women compared to their English counterparts. The UPAA charges £7.50, of which only a portion aids the interviewers, and some travel grants are available for those in desperate need, though financial support is limited. The entire experience is imbued with isolation and precaution, as interviewers guide women on how to safely navigate their trips. They encourage night travel and schedule appointments that limit the time women spend exploring unfamiliar cities. Additionally, follow-up medical checks are arranged to ensure ongoing care. Mrs. Wilson expresses concern about the social attitudes towards reproductive health in Northern Ireland, noting that they lag significantly behind those in Britain. She identifies particular challenges in Catholic communities where seeking assistance is fraught with stigma. Although contraceptives are accessible through various channels, there is often a lack of initiative among women to seek them out, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards sexuality and reproductive rights in the region.

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