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Women who had abortions ‘suffered workplace stigmatisation’

Some were unable to access sick leave and pay, a survey commissioned by trade unionists and pro-abortion campaigners showed.

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From left, Dr Fiona Bloomer, Clare Bailey MLA, Kellie O'Dowd, Co-Chair of Alliance for Choice, Patricia McKeown, Regional Secretary of UNISON, Taryn Trainor of Unite the Union, and Sinn Fein Megan Fearon MLA

Many women who had an abortion suffered workplace stigmatisation and isolation in Northern Ireland as a result, a survey has said.

Some were unable to access sick leave and pay. A quarter wanted time off but could not afford to lose the money, the trade union study showed.

Patricia McKeown, regional secretary of public service union Unison, said it was a hugely important piece of research.

“It provides insight into the very real impact on working women of making the choice to terminate a pregnancy.”

A total of 3,200 people, 2,031 from Northern Ireland, responded to the survey conducted by Ulster University and commissioned by five trade unions as well as pro-abortion campaigners.

Dr Fiona Bloomer, lead researcher for Ulster University, is expected to tell a launch event later: “This research study, the first of its kind globally, provides clear evidence that abortion is a workplace issue.

Dr Fiona Bloomer
Dr Fiona Bloomer (Liam McBurney/PA)

“Their experiences ranged from stigma, isolation, lack of support to being unable to access sick leave or sick pay, often due to precarious employment.

“This study provides a clear evidence base for the trade union movement to not only continue to lobby for legal reform but also to campaign for workplace policies which support women.”

A majority of those asked did not support a total ban on access to abortion and favoured legal reform in Northern Ireland, which has the strictest restrictions in the UK.

Key findings from Northern Irish respondents included:

– 61% agreed or strongly agreed that current restrictions on abortion were cruel and inhumane

– 85% said a woman should not be arrested and prosecuted for having a termination

– 19% had direct experience of abortion as a workplace issue

Of those with direct experience:

– 43% struggled to pay for the costs

– 24% wanted time off afterwards but could not afford to lose wages

– 12% needed time off and were able to get sick pay

– 9% needed time off and used unpaid leave

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