In Northern Ireland, which is part of The UK, it is very difficult to get an abortion, even in cases that would satisfy the terms of The Abortion Act 1968. Hitherto, it has meant a trip on a ferry to a hospital in Scotland or England, as we are all NHS contributors and recipients.

A recent ruling has meant that in future, women from Northern Ireland will have to pay. Add the ferry / flight on top etc, and you begin to see the problem. Most women who would travel for termination are, measured by their funding authority, so we can distinguish between and find the NI ladies cared for on mainland Great Britain include victims of rape or domestic violence, (34% for 2011/12 as opposed to 11% overall for UK.) Not always the most upwardly socially mobile of women for such an expense. The procedure privately has a going rate, I am informed of circa £560.00 plus any accommodation and after care. (Price of a small hospital whose overall price list I happen to have.)

Not exactly boutique abortion or abortion as a form of contraceptive is it? For every one of these to register in that abuse category, (HRG in NHS speke) it would mean police and social services input. It doesn't allow for those who refused social assessment, sometimes because they were afraid for when they returned.

Even in The UK then, where despite an official religion (Anglican) we see a separation of church and government, Northern Ireland lets superstition reign with church inspired abortion regime and legislation to oppress gay people. Not to mention a first minister, lead politician and all that, applauding and defending a bigoted pastor who called other religions evil.

Yeah, California may be land of the free (unless you are of Mexican extraction) but the rest of the world has superstitious hang ups Joe.