Marie Stopes running scared of Scrutiny - Questions Marie Stopes Clinic doesn’t want to answer
14 November 2012
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“Almost 3 weeks ago I challenged the Marie Stopes Clinic on a number of key issues by way of correspondence to Ms Purvis posing the following pertinent questions:
Dear Ms Purvis,
Following the unwelcome opening of your abortion clinic, I would be obliged to receive the following information:-
1. Will you undertake to publish, preferably monthly, the number of abortions performed in Belfast and the ages of those involved?
2. Will you undertake to publish, preferably monthly, the number of abortion referrals made to GB?
3. Will you undertake to publish, preferably monthly, the reason for each abortion performed or referred?
4. Will you undertake to publish the income received from the performance of abortions?
5. What age limits, if any, will apply in respect of the performance of abortions, and/or referrals, and in respect of minors will the parents be informed/involved?
6. What drugs will be used for the performance of 'medical abortions' and will the dangers associated with the drug in question be explained to recipients, and how?
7. Will mifepristone be used?
8. By what guidance will the abortion clinic operate, and will you publish it?
9. How will you guarantee the criminal law is observed?
10. Will your records be subject to any external scrutiny and, if so, by whom?
11. Do you regard your operation as subject to any regulation and, if so, please specify.
12. Please specify the precise grounds on which you will offer 'medical abortions' and how will such be monitored?
Yours sincerely,
Jim Allister QC MLA
“In response I got an email from Ms Purvis suggesting I could raise these questions through the Justice Committee ‘investigation’ – a clear attempt at issue avoidance. I replied that since I wasn’t on the Justice Committee this was not a forum open to me and, in consequence, I required answers to my questions.
“Then, on Friday 8th November I got a letter from Marie Stopes International’s solicitors, Edwards & Co, declining to answer my questions on the utterly fatuous grounds that they were already engaging with the Justice Committee and the Attorney General.
“Whether Marie Stopes is engaging with other bodies, or none, is totally irrelevant to my request for information. As a public representative asking legitimate questions I am entitled to a response, rather than a pathetic avoidance of the issue. I can only conclude that the Marie Stopes organisation is running away from the challenge of my questions. I and the public will draw the appropriate conclusions.
“The Questions are straightforward and go to the bona fides of the clinic’s intentions. If they have nothing to hide, why are answers not forthcoming?”
