What are the abortion laws in Northern Ireland?

Abortion has been decriminalised in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland abortion is legal for any reason up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. After 12 weeks you can have an abortion if:

• You have been pregnant for less than 24 weeks.
• Two doctors agree that having an abortion would cause less damage to your physical or mental health (or that of existing children) than continuing with the pregnancy.

Abortions after 24 weeks are available in exceptional circumstances, such as to save the life of the pregnant person, or if there has been a diagnosis of a fatal foetal anomaly.

If your pregnancy is under 10 weeks, abortion services are available in Northern Ireland from five Health and Social Care Trusts (Belfast, Northern, South Eastern, Southern and Western).

If you need abortion care that is not yet available in Northern Ireland, you can come to England for care. Abortion care in England is free for residents of Northern Ireland. Your travel and accommodation will also be covered by government funding.

Learn more about Abortion in Northern Ireland.