The Early Medical Abortion (EMA) service in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) has not yet commenced. The service had been earmarked to resume in July, but as of mid-August, it has not resumed.

In a statement to The Impartial Reporter, a Western Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust is currently working to recommence the early medical abortion clinic within the next number of months in accordance with the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020, and have recruited to a number of vacancies to support the service, going forward.

“Until the service is up and running, we cannot confirm the actual number of clinicians that will be involved.

"This service will involve a multidisciplinary team of nurses and medical staff and the Trust are recruiting to the remainder of the team.”

Patients can access the EMA through neighbouring Health Trusts, the spokesperson said: “Patients wishing to avail of information on available services are signposted via the Trust website.”