Editorial: Welcome to Belfast, Marie Stopes

 

Thursday 11 October 2012 19:52 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

There are protests expected next week when Northern Ireland's first ever private abortion clinic opens. And they will come despite the fact that the clinic will only offer services that are already available under the province's restrictive laws on terminations.

Those who would close the clinic before it even opens could not be more wrong. Abortion is not an option which is chosen lightly. And it is a decision often made at a moment of great turmoil and vulnerability. Having a clinic locally, rather than adding the stress of a journey to the mainland, will at least reduce the practical difficulties faced.

Under Northern Irish law, a pregnancy can only be terminated where its continuance will have a serious, permanent or long-term effect on the physical or mental health of the woman. The opening of a Marie Stopes clinic can only be a benefit.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in