The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PBI) has expressed "deep concern and dismay" at the number of abortions performed in Northern Ireland since the legal termination of pregnancies was introduced. 

The law was changed in 2020 to allow women in Northern Ireland to seek abortions. This week the Secretary of Statement for Northern Ireland has announced he will formally commission abortion services following a stalemate at Stormont.  

Speaking after a meeting of PCI's Council for Public Affairs, council convener Rev Daniel Kane said, "As a Church with a strong pro-life position, over the last number of years we have consistently put on record our total opposition to Westminster's imposition of the most destructive liberal abortion legislation in these islands.

"Figures provided recently by the Department of Health show that over 4,100 abortions have taken place across the five health trusts in Northern Ireland between 31st March 2020 and 26th September this year, an average of 340 per month. 

"This compares to an average of around 86 per month in 2018 and 2019 of those accessing abortion services from Northern Ireland in England. 

"The genuine fears and concerns expressed by PCI about the removal of the legal protection of future generations of Northern Ireland's unborn children have, unfortunately, come to pass."

He concluded by saying: "There are many challenges facing Northern Ireland and its Health Service in particular, waiting lists, staff recruitment and retention, services that are under resourced. It is curious to note that no interventions appear to be forthcoming in these areas."