NORTHERN IRELAND MLA CANDIDATE SURVEY ON ABORTION (NORTHERN IRELAND) REGULATIONS 2020

BackgroundThis spreadsheet has been created using results collected from contacting individual MLA candidates in the run up to #AE22.
Disclaimer: this is a grassroots project which is not affiliated with any political party or individual candidate.

Read The Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
Read the results of the recent Stormont Assembly vote on Safe Access Zones
Explanatory notes
As of April 2022, the DUP, TUV and Aontú oppose the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020.
Sinn Féin supports access to abortions within "a limited gestational period" which does not specifically relate to the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020. Changes to Sinn Féin's position must be raised and voted on at their Ard Fheis.
The SDLP, the Alliance Party and the Ulster Unionist Party allow a "vote of conscience" on abortion, thus their members may express a variety of views.
The PUP is a "pro-choice party," however the party states that candidates are not whipped on the particular issue of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020.
The Green Party and People Before Profit are pro-choice and in favour of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020.
Independent candidates are determined by their individual views.

Working methods in compiling this spreadsheet
Where political parties have expressed a singular stance with regard to abortion reform, we have attributed that stance to every MLA candidate from that party.
With regard to independents and candidates from parties that treat abortion as a conscience issue, we have recorded their responses on an individual basis.
We have contacted independent/"issue of conscience" candidates through either email, telephone or messages on their social media platforms.
We have left the entry blank for candidates who are yet to reply.
Further, with this spreadsheet we acknowledge that conversations and lobbying are ongoing and that MLA candidate stances on abortion can and do change due to the hard work of pro-choice lobbyists.
With that in mind, this data is correct up until 27 April 2022. If any MLA candidates wish to get in touch to add/update/amend their details, please email: mlasurvey2022@gmail.com

For any further enquiries, please email: mlasurvey2022@gmail.com

Additional information
If you wish to cite this work, please do so by attributing it to Alliance for Choice Derry.

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See the full spreadsheet here

Area Candidate Party Response notes

Belfast West Linsey Gibson UUP "Personally I wouldn’t have an abortion myself as I would consider myself as pro life however I can see when in certain circumstances a woman may choose to have an abortion. In cases of rape or severe foetal abnormalities I believe it should be a woman’s choice then."

Strangford Kellie Armstrong Alliance "I believe there does need to be clarification on what is meant in clause 7 where it says ‘serious disability’. There are too many people using this lack of clarity to try to undermine the legislation. Serious disability does not mean a ‘cleft lip’ or Downs Syndrome will automatically mean an abortion will be carried out. This sort of irresponsible commentary can be stopped by clarification provided by medical professionals."

Strangford Philip Smith UUP "I would vote in favour but do have concerns at the 24 week limit. I think with modern medicine & increased survivability that there is potential for review. Although I appreciate that 92% of procedures take place before 12 weeks & it is a complex issue at that gestation."

Strangford Conor Houston SDLP "I’ll be voting for regulations that allow for abortion services in NI. I’ve not been able to have the time to consult/ seek advice etc on these specific regulations so don’t want to give a simple yes/ no answer. My pro-choice position will be indicative of how I will approach this or any other such legislation. And engagement with yourselves & other stakeholders will be part of this.""

East L-Derry Niall Murphy Independent "If elected I would of course take the temperature of my constituency, but unless there was over-whelming support for it - and I dont believe there would be - on principle I would vote against this or any such legislation. I believe the legislation fails women, unborn children, fathers, families and the wider society. Any legislation that allows for abortions up to 26 weeks is an absolute outrage. While I do not think it is practical to seek a full prohibition of abortion services, I would seek to dramatically restrict availability for any such services in Northern Ireland - including the removal of any public funds, save for hospital based medical emergencies. If it is to happen it should be funded privately."

Foyle Ryan McCready UUP "Whilst I personally disagree with abortion beyond the heart beat (with exception on medical grounds, incest, rape or fatal foetus abnormalities) as I value the life of the baby and the mother and must advocate to protect both. But I also recognise and understand that each individual has their own beliefs and must make their own informed choices in life. I must legislate fairly for those I represent and take the following political position:Abortion services are required in consultation with medical professionals and ought to be safe, legal and accessible. Additionally, there needs to mental health provisions and support for woman and families who are going through this process. I would advocate early family planning and sexual education for young people. This would include access to contraceptives. I would need to read each bill on the particulars and make an informed decision. "

South Antrim Andrew Moran Independent "No. Only allow abortion if the woman's life is in danger."

Mid-Ulster Meta Graham UUP "My answer is that if elected I would not vote for abortion access as I am pro life. I understand that this is not a simple black and white issue and that there are grey areas such as if the mothers life was in danger, in that instance I would not want to let the mother die but would want to try to save both lives. I remember the case in the south where, I believe it was an Indian lady, died because she could not have a termination and I thought if that was my daughter, I would want to do everything I could to save her and the child. To me, that is the only reason it should be given any consideration at all."

Fermanagh South Tyrone Derek Backhouse Independent "Sorry I am anti abortion, however, I would listen to what my constituents wanted. If the people of Northern Ireland wanted abortion, regardless of my opinion, they would get it. My stance is to represent the people of Northern Ireland, not corporations or groups. If I don't get elected because I value life however, then so be it. I am pro life. I will say this, I will do a referendum when I get elected so the people of Northern Ireland can decide and what THEY NOT Westminster decide, that I will adhere to. Politicians are public servants, we follow the will of the people, it is NOT our opinions that truly matter, it is the opinion of our constituencies."

Fermanagh South Tyrone Rosemary Barton UUP "I will wait until I am elected and am not prepared to comment."

Lagan Valley Laura Turner UUP "This issue deserves a conversation. I very much believe it should be the choice of the female but I do believe that we need a very clear boundary of legislation. It is integral that the woman has the resources that she needs. Ultimately it comes down to the medical professionals and I think it is more important that women are supported in their choices. Supporting women in their decision making, insuring that every option is available there for them to mitigate any trauma. For me it is very much an individual case. It is important to know what the choices are."

North Down Naomi McBurney UUP """Having read The Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 and the Explanatory Memorandum in

detail I can convirm had I been elected I would have voted against these regulations. I agree that the legislation needed to be updated however, due to the collapse of Stormont it is regrettable that the Secretary of State had to act and produce legislation. This was a matter for Members of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland to reolve and their failure to do so is unacceptable. I agree that there is an urgent need for services to be commissioned however, I do not support the full content of the current legislation."""

East Antrim John Stewart UUP Statement pending.

North Antrim Patricia O'Lynn Alliance "Abortion is a conscience matter for Alliance, personally I support the regulations. However I am keen to understand if under clause 10 this means the personal information of the woman seeking termination needs to be shared with CMO- if so i am against this specificity."