“This is a backward step for Northern Ireland which not only undermines the devolution settlement but more importantly makes Northern Ireland a more dangerous place for the unborn. 

It sends an awful message about the value we place on life. We stood shoulder to shoulder in trying to protect the vulnerable from covid-19 and sustain life and yet this move by the Secretary of State will make Northern Ireland one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a child in the womb especially if that little baby has a disability. 

We are a Pro-Life party and if and when Stormont returns, the DUP and those elected representatives who cherish life, will work night and day to bring back life-affirming laws. We will champion greater support services for women in crisis or unexpected pregnancy and continue to take a Pro-Life stand in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster. 

Until 2019 Northern Ireland had some of the strongest protections for the unborn in the United Kingdom and across Europe. Sadly, Westminster, in a free vote for MPs, imposed the UK’s most liberal abortion regime on Northern Ireland despite the Assembly voting to express its opposition. The DUP voted against this at Westminster and will continue to oppose it."