This episode contains an in-depth interview with Dawn Purvis. Dawn is a former MLA, representing the East Belfast constituency from 2007 to 2011. Following a period in politics she was appointed Programme Director for Marie Stopes International and led the first integrated sexual and reproductive health clinic offering early medical abortion care in Belfast. She now works in the social housing sector and is chair of Positive Life NI.
Dawn talks about her memories of abortion being discussed during childhood; her decision to join the Progressive Unionist Party; the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement; her thoughts on the current political situation; her experience as an MLA; opening the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast; shifting political attitudes towards abortion; her interactions with anti-choice protestors; and her aspirations for sexual and reproductive health going forward. After the interview the host and co-host discuss some of the key issues raised.
If you would like support around a sexual health issue you can call the Sexual Health Helpline on 028 9031 6100.
Useful links
https://informingchoicesni.org/pregnancy-choices-counselling
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/abortion-services
News articles
News article from 2012 regarding the opening of the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast
News article from 2015 regarding the volunteer escorts working at the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast
News article from 2015 regarding a harassment case taken by Dawn Purvis against an anti-choice protestor
News article from 2015 regarding the conviction of an anti-choice campaigner for assaulting an FPA employee
News article from 2017 regarding the closure of the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast
Resources
Health Committee evidence session from FPA NI regarding guidance on the termination of pregnancy
Justice Committee evidence session from Marie Stopes International on compliance with the criminal law on abortion
Health Committee evidence session from Amnesty International UK and Informing Choices NI regarding the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill