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

About the Book

"Northern 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"--

Book Synopsis

Northern 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.

Review Quotes

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

The 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

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

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 Northern Ireland - and PhD Candidate at Ulster University, UK.