Responding to the figures, Carla Lockhart said:

“These are not just statistics; each number represents a precious life lost, a child who will never have the chance to take their first breath, and a mother left to bear the lifelong impact of this decision.

For so many across Northern Ireland, it is a cause of profound grief and heartbreak to learn of the scale of abortion. It is my firm belief that we in Northern Ireland remain a majority pro-life people, as evidenced by the most recent Northern Ireland Office consultation, where the clear voice of the people rejected the imposition of Westminster’s extreme abortion laws.

We continue to work with like-minded people in exploring what more the Department of Health can do to repeal this legislation which was forced upon us from Westminster and introduce life affirming laws and strategies. 

The battle to win hearts and minds for the sanctity of life must and will continue. We must ensure that women facing crisis pregnancies are met with real support and life-affirming choices, rather than a system that too often leads them down the path of abortion.”