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Alliance's David Ford backs calls for release of abortion law report

Alliance's David Ford said "people have a right to know" the report's contents
Alliance's David Ford said "people have a right to know" the report's contents Alliance's David Ford said "people have a right to know" the report's contents

A FORMER justice minister has backed calls for Stormont civil servants to publish a high-profile report completed almost a year ago on the north's abortion laws.

David Ford said there is "no public interest in refusing" the calls, adding that "the public does not need it to be censored by politicians".

It follows pressure from campaigners after Stormont officials recently chose to disclose other documents in the absence of an executive.

The report examined fatal foetal abnormality (FFA) issues and is understood to recommend legislative change.

Stormont officials have said it should not be published "until it has been considered by the executive".

However, former Alliance Party leader Mr Ford said "people have a right to know" its contents.

"Abortion is a conscience issue for Alliance, however, while I was minister a working group was established after other parties blocked me from proposing changes to criminal law," he said.

"These changes were based on a detailed consultation I set up and which was carried out by the Department of Justice."

The South Antrim MLA added: "People have a right to know the work which has been done by civil servants. There is no public interest in refusing to publish information on this sensitive issue.

"I am sure the report is comprehensive and the public does not need it to be censored by politicians."

The abortion report is understood to recommend a change in the law for FFA – cases when medics believe the unborn will die in the womb or shortly after birth.

It was produced by an inter-departmental working group set up by then health and justice ministers Michelle O'Neill and Claire Sugden.

However, the pair do not support calls for the report to be published by civil servants.

Ms Sugden said it should not be released "while the opportunity still exists" to form a new executive. Sinn Féin said the paper should be considered "in the event of the executive being restored".

Green Party South Belfast MLA Clare Bailey, who has urged Stormont officials to publish the report, said she is "disappointed" with Sinn Féin's stance.

"Sinn Féin say that they support legislative change – so they should have no issue with the publication of the report and its recommendations implemented through the restoration of the institutions," she said.

Amnesty International is to write to the health and justice departments to call for the report's publication.

A spokeswoman for the justice and health departments said: "It remains the departments' view that future health and justice ministers should have an opportunity to consider the report, and make recommendations to a future executive, before it is released to the public."