Our pro-life stance

Shamefully, since we met at our Annual Conference last October there have been further efforts by the Government to erode the rights of the unborn in Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State’s recent budget prioritises spending for the commissioning of the UK’s most liberal abortion regime over spending on waiting lists, GP surgeries or reform of social care. When we consider that there were 53 abortions in Northern Ireland hospitals during 2021/22 it is heartbreaking to come to terms with the fact that more precious lives are now at risk.

It is deeply regrettable that the Assembly previously rejected a DUP Bill seeking to end abortion to full-term on the grounds of disability or non-fatal disability.

A baby without a diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome cannot be aborted right up to full term, yet a baby diagnosed with Down’s, even in the week before full term, can be aborted because it is disabled. This inequality is appalling and should not be sustained. We continue to stand with inspirational disability campaigner Heidi Crowter in her fight to have the law changed in Great Britain despite her setback in the Court of Appeal.

The uprooting of the right to life of the unborn child has been followed hot on its heels by unjustifiable moves to restrict the rights of those who wish to protest against abortion peacefully, reasonably and legitimately. Just last month, I hosted Isabel Vaughan-Spruce on a visit to Parliament and my colleague Gregory Campbell MP raised her case through a

Parliamentary Motion. Isabel was arrested for silently praying near an abortion facility in Birmingham and subsequently searched, arrested and charged for breaking a Public Space Protection Order censorship zone (or “buffer zone”) four times. Such activity ought to be protected under freedom of thought, conscience and religion and Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights. Isabel’s example demonstrates the dangers of similar legislation forced through by the other parties in the Assembly last March. As a Pro-Life party, DUP members elected to Councils, the Assembly and at Westminster will continue to support policies that protect life and reject abortion.

Why we choose life

3 Because we believe the right to life applies to all human beings regardless of whether they are inside or outside the womb

3 Because we believe deliberately ending the life of an innocent human being is wrong

3 Because every child inside or outside their mother’s womb should be afforded the same dignity and respect and have the opportunity to reach their life’s potential

3 Because we believe society should equally protect, help and cherish both mother and baby

3 Because we believe the focus should be on greater support and care for women in crisis or unexpected pregnancy.

3 Because we want to see specialist pathways and a perinatal hospice care facility established to provide the best medical and emotional support for mother and baby in cases of severe life limiting conditions.

Carla Lockhart

Carla Lockhart MP