Description
Book SynopsisNorthern Ireland stands out as having enacted historical positive change in abortion law, from an almost complete ban in the 20th century to the decriminalization achieved in 2019. This book documents and analyzes how this historical change was achieved. Each chapter is written by those directly involved in the long-fought battle to change abortion law - including those with personal experience of seeking abortions, activists, academics, legal experts, political actors, NGOs, and volunteers. In this, the first of two volumes, contributions focus on the legislative landscape of the process with particular emphasis on the importance of feminist legal work' - law-making influenced by the women most likely to be impacted by it.
Trade ReviewThe editors and authors did an amazing job putting together these two volumes of comprehensive and thorough analysis of the changes in abortion realities in Norther Ireland. Everyone will find perspectives and angles from which the topic of abortion can be seen. * Karolina Wieckiewicz, lawyer and activist for sexual and reproductive health issues *
An excellent and inspiring account of the long movement for abortion decriminalisation in Northern Ireland. The editors have pulled together the accounts and analysis of key actors in the campaign in order to provide original and comprehensive coverage of the wide range of activities that made this success possible. This is a timely publication, given recent attacks on abortion rights, that will be invaluable for activists everywhere. * Professor Lesley Hoggart, The Open University, UK *
These two volumes,
Decriminalizing Abortion in Northern Ireland, are a remarkable achievement. Bloomer and Campbell have pulled together the voices of abortion seekers, abortion activists, people working in non-government organisations, policy-makers and academics to document how abortion was decrminialized in Northern Ireland. Given the Northern Ireland political system (devolved legislature; consociationalism), the stories told are complex and deeply personal. Authors cover a vast array of topics, including legal debates, abortion campaigns and struggles, alliances and coalitions, strategic litigation, the confluence of local and international dynamics, personal tragedies and resilience, political acts of betrayal, research, protests, education, silences, volunteerism, myths, misinformation, as well as the role of international solidarity, the Irish diaspora, trade unions, student movements, LGBTQ+ and women's movements, and the courageous actions of various abortion providers. As pointed out by the editors, "no one single action can ever deliver social change". These books show, however, how concerted feminist effort can and must win the day. The volumes are a must-read for anybody - whether professionally or personally - interested in ensuring reproductive justice and agency for people with uteri. * Professor Catriona Macleod, Rhodes University, South Africa *
Decriminalizing Abortion in Northern Ireland is a deep dive into the long road to decriminalisation, spanning two volumes and a timeline of decades … These two volumes tell the rich history of the abortion rights movement in NI, and how a constellation of movements and actors came together to achieve decriminalisation. They are a must-read for anyone researching abortion rights, and for those unfamiliar with the NI context, provide a thorough introduction. -- Dr Zoe L. Tongue * Frontiers of Socio-Legal Studies *
Table of ContentsContents Acknowledgments List Of Contributors
1. Introduction
Emma Campbell And Fiona Bloomer Theme 1 Law
2. Reflections From A Northern Ireland Politician
Anna Lo 3. Power-Sharing, Devolution And Patriarchy: An Analysis Of The Role Of The Northern Ireland Assembly In Abortion Law Reform
Claire Pierson 4. The Role Of Human Rights Organisations
Les Allamby 5. A ‘United’ Kingdom?: The 1967 Abortion Act And Northern Ireland
Jennifer Thomson 6. The Request For An Inquiry Under The CEDAW Optional Protocol
Judith Cross, Catherine O’Rourke And Audrey Simpson 7. Working Within Westminster
Stella Creasy And Cara Sanquest 8. The Supreme Team
Susan Mckay 9. Law Reform And Decriminalisation Delivered: Westminster And Strategic Litigation
Grainne Teggart And Ruairi Rowan 10. Alliance For Choice As Agents Of Legal Change
Máiréad Enright Theme 2 Campaigning And Activism
11. Blazing The Trail-Campaigns: The Earlier Years
Lynda Walker 12. Alliance For Choice New Beginnings
Kellie O’Dowd And Judith Cross And Fiona Bloomer 13. Reflections From An Activist
Maria Amélia Ponte Lourenço 14. In Her Shoes - Abortion Stories
Ashleigh Topley 15. What Sort Of State Were We In? Alliance For Choice Tackle Westminster
Emma Campbell 16. Alliance For Choice Derry: Delivering Decriminalisation: Activism In The North-West
Maeve O’Brien 17. Dismantling The Walls Of Silence Surrounding Abortion In Northern Ireland
Ruairi Rowan And Audrey Simpson 18. Alliance For Choice Volunteers
Emma Gallen 19. Conclusion
Emma Campbell And Fiona Bloomer Appendices Timeline Of Key Events Glossary Bibliography Index
