WATCH: Northern Ireland abortion law a breach of human rights commitments, court rules

by PA reporter and Q Radio News

Northern Ireland's strict abortion law breaches the UK's human rights commitments, the High Court in Belfast has ruled.

29 year-old Sarah Ewart took her case to the High Court after being refused a termination in 2013, even though doctors said her unborn child would die in the womb or shortly after birth. 

Instead, she travelled to a London clinic to end her pregnancy. 

Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan said Sarah Ewart, who took the case, was a victim.

"Her personal testimony is compelling," she said.

The judge said she would follow a previous Supreme Court ruling on the issue.

"The decision on the substantive capabilities issue was intended to have persuasive effect," she added.

Justice Keegan followed the ruling of the Supreme Court that abortion law in Northern Ireland was incompatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

She said Ms Ewart had legal standing to challenge the law and had been affected by the current law. 

The judge will hear further submissions before deciding what action to take.

She said, "She has had to modify her behaviour in that she could not have medical treatment in Northern Ireland due to the risk of criminal prosecution.

"She may be actively affected in the future.

"In my view her personal testimony is not disputed."

Meanwhile, pro-life campaigner Bernie Smyth from 'Precious Life' says Northern Ireland's politics have failed. 

"I think politicians need to listen to what this judgement means for the future of vulnerable children in Northern Ireland. 

"They were elected to do their job and have left their post. 

"By leaving their posts, the lives of thousands of unborn children is in their hands. 

"So I would say to Sinn Fein and the DUP, to get back into office to protect the most vulnerable in society. 

"Because if we deny those children the very right to life, what protection do the rest of us have."

Bernie Smyth from precious life says Northern Ireland's politicians have failed. It’s after the High Court ruled strict abortion laws here breach the UK's human rights commitments. pic.twitter.com/U6KlY5CYSh

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 3, 2019