150 years of discrimination and denial, 1861–2011

The Offences Against the Person Act became law in November 1861.

This Victorian piece of legislation – introduced before women could vote and the light bulb was invented – still governs the provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland today.

The Act criminalises abortion and imposes a penalty of life imprisonment for women accessing abortions.

Since 1967 the Abortion Act has governed abortion in England, Scotland and Wales but Northern Ireland was excluded and the 1861 Act still applies.

FPA believes in equal reproductive rights for everyone. Women in Northern Ireland have been discriminated against for too long.

Watch our Time for Change video

Our video explains what the law means for women in Northern Ireland and why it needs to change.

How we are marking the anniversary

FPA wants women in Northern Ireland to have the same rights to abortion as women in the rest of the UK.

• We've launched the 150 Years of Discrimination and Denial Facebook page to help you learn more and get involved.

• We've contacted all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Northern Ireland explaining what it means to be pro-choice.
  
  Read the briefing on being pro-choice we sent to MLAs (PDF)

• We made the Time for Change video (above) to raise awareness of the issues and the myths. Please share it with people you know – you can use the ‘Share this page’ link at the top of this page.

• We're asking MLAs and the public about their attitudes to abortion to find out what they really think.

Look out for more about our campaigning activities here soon.

How you can help

Quick and easy ways to support equal rights for women in Northern Ireland.

Learn more about abortion law in Northern Ireland.