CATHOLIC church leaders have accused the British government of imposing "an unjust law" after it revealed plans to direct the introduction of abortion in the north.
A statement from the northern bishops - including Archbishop Eamon Martin - came after Secretary of State Brandon Lewis directed that the provision of abortion should be introduced.
In October 2019 a private members bill at Westminster decriminalised the controversial procedure in the north.
While individual health trusts have offered abortion services on an ad-hoc basis, the Department of Health has not centrally commissioned procedures.
Earlier this month Mr Lewis used new powers to force Stormont to roll out provision before March 22 next year.
Last night the Catholic bishops said: “Westminster has imposed an unjust law.
"Christians, and all people of good will, can never ignore the fact that unborn children are human beings worthy of protection."
Church leaders are urging Catholics to challenge future election candidates on their stance.
"We encourage all Catholics, and those share our view on the inviolability of all human life, to reflect carefully on the issues raised by this succession of unilateral impositions by the Westminster government.
"We encourage everyone who believes in the equal right to life and compassionate care for a mother and her unborn child to ask local candidates and political parties to explain their position on these interventions and on this most fundamental of all issues."
The church statement comes as pro-choice campaigners revealed plans to hold rallies in Belfast and Derry this weekend to "build pressure" on Health Minister Robin Swann "and the wider executive".
People Before Profit Belfast councillor Fiona Ferguson said: "Recent history teaches that the only way to force any progress in the north is mobilisation and protest, and that is exactly what we will do until services are delivered."
