Decriminalizing Abortion in Northern Ireland - by Fiona Bloomer & Emma Campbell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Abortion remains one of the most politicized issues globally and whilst some countries such as the USA continue to experience restrictions to access to abortion, Northern Ireland stands out as having enacted historical positive change in abortion law, from an almost complete ban throughout the Twentieth Century to decriminalization achieved in 2019. This book documents and analyzes how this historical change was achieved.

This, the second of two volumes, places emphasis on allies and support for abortion provision, illustrating how the movement has relied upon an intersectional network of social movement actors, NGOs and fundraisers to maintain momentum and inclusivity. It also focuses on the reality of abortion provision. 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.

This interdisciplinary text will be of relevance to academics and students in the disciplines of law, policy, political science, and sociology, but also to organizers and policy makers in other global contexts and across other social justice campaigns.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

"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

"This book is a call to action. The work is hard. You will face challenges. But with collective action, change is possible. Rights - bodily autonomy, human dignity, accessibility - are essential and worth fighting for." --Irish Studies Review

About the Author

Fiona Bloomer is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at Ulster University, UK.

Emma Campbell is Co-Convenor of Alliance for Choice (AFC) - representing the thousands of people who have had, or need abortions in NI - and PhD Candidate at Ulster University, UK.