The DUP MP said, “Whilst the vote on decriminalisation has been presented as a “progressive” step, the reality is far from that. The continued focus the laws governing abortion to ‘punish’ people ignores the role of the law as a protection, both for women and the unborn.
The reality of New Clause 1 in the Crime and Policing Bill introduced in the name of so-called “reproductive rights” means there is no barrier on abortions in any pregnancy, for any reason, at any point until birth. Abortions at home from pills bought online or any other method has been decriminalised in the name of women’s safety despite the clear and obvious risks it poses to the safety of women. That is what lies behind a headline about “decriminalising abortion” or changes to “Victorian law”.
There are specific questions for Sorcha Eastwood, who was a signatory to the New Clause 1 amendment before later removing her name. Given she was unable to vote due to illness there is a need to ensure her position is made clear. Adding her signature was an apparent demonstration of strong support for the proposal. Did she then remove her name because this was a mistake or was it an attempt to confuse her position and avoid criticism from those who cannot support such a measure?
People deserve clarity as to whether their MP was part of the campaign for this change to the law or not. All those who supported this amendment should explain their position.
For my part, and that of the DUP, Parliament’s decision is a sad day for the United Kingdom and for those of us who seek to protect life.”