This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Tony McGleenan and with contributions from Professor Savage , incoming President of UPS, and, no doubt, from the audience. Mr Jim Wells of the DUP moved a motion that the Assembly was opposed to the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland. In a challenging and, at times, passionate three hour debate local politicians examined the issue of abortion. Professor Monica McWilliams tabled an amendment to the motion that the matter of abortion law and related issues be referred to the Health Committee for full consideration within six months. The amendment was defeated in an oral vote by 15 votes to 43.
Abortion kills the unborn child.
It does not matter whether it is six days, six hours, six minutes, or six seconds after conception. The overall cost of claims incurred in 1998 was 84 million pounds. This falls considerably short of the 2.8 billion figure quoted by the Auditor General which refers to outstanding claims. For the full study see Fenn, Deacon et al .