Northern Ireland’s first minister said he would block any move by Westminster to force Stormont to set up full abortion services.
Paul Gevan said he sought legal advice on how to «resist» authorities that would direct Stormont to roll out abortion services by March.
Northern Ireland’s abortion laws were liberalized in 2019 following legislation passed by Westminster, but full services are not yet centrally mandated due to disagreements between the executive parties for power-sharing.
Foreign Secretary Brandon Lewis used new powers to direct ministers to take steps to establish abortion services throughout Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Robin Swan said earlier that he could not commission services without the approval of the five broadest executive branch, stressing that his legal responsibility is to refer controversial or important decisions to other ministers.
To obtain executive approval, both the DUP and Sinn Fein must agree.
The DUP prevented consideration of the issue of commissioning in the executive branch.
Mr. Jeevan said he is weighing all his options politically and legally.
«I spoke to the Secretary of State and told him that he should not do this, and that it was wrong for him to do so.
“I’ve been disappointed whenever he embarks on this trend.
“We are now receiving legal advice on the implications of that legal action he has taken and what our legal options are to resist it.
«I certainly intend to resist what the Secretary of State has done by directing but I need to consider all of my options, politically and legally, when it comes to this particular issue.»
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Jeevan told BBC Northern Ireland that Lewis’ order had «profound constitutional ramifications».
He said Mr Lewis «may have to take me to court» to block Westminster’s direction.
The Alliance Party and the Green Party, Sinn Féin, welcomed the move by the Secretary of State.
Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill said earlier that «obstruction» of women’s rights by the DUP had been overcome.
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