Written submission from James Blair (ANI0654)
1) DEVOLUTION
It was the will of the people of Northern Ireland to have a devolved government established. Why then would the Westminster Government seek to impose changes to Northern Irish Law without the consent of the people who are living here? It strikes me as odd, when looking into Abortion legislation in Northern Ireland, that there isn't a single MP from Northern Ireland sitting on the Women and Equalities Committee.
We in Northern Ireland have a voice to be heard over such legislation. And it has been shown time and again through polls and research that the people of Northern Ireland want their own elected representatives to make the decision on abortion legislation.
2) DISTINCTIVE LAW AND CULTURE
It has been proved through research that thousands of lives have been saved in Northern Ireland due to the current law on abortion.
It is cruel to consider disability in the womb as a reason to abort a baby. It is unbiblical, and the Bible shows us that all human life has value. Therefore the child in the womb is precious and has worth.
It should be celebrated that in Northern Ireland 90% of children diagnosed with Down's Syndrome in 2016 were born.
3) HUMAN RIGHTS & EQUALITY
Every human has the right to life. The Bible, which I believe is the true word of God teaches us that there is value in every human life conceived. This is because all of humanity is made in the image of God. This means that we have been given some of the qualities and attributes of God. That is why we fight for the right to life of the unborn child.
If we are truly seeking to bring equality to all people, then recognise that the baby in the womb isn't just a clump of cells but a person. Images have been circulated to show how in a late-term abortion a baby has fought to protect itself in the womb from the attack of the abortion.
It could set a very dangerous precedent if the Women's and Equalities Committee accepts the lie that women can only be equal if they have a right to seek abortion for any reason. It devalues humanity.
4) PERSONAL STORIES