Health Minister Robin Swann has been pressed to set up abortion services in Northern Ireland.
Layoffs were legalized in the region following a law passed by Westminster when the Stormont Assembly collapsed.
Individual health trusts have set up temporary pathways for early medical abortion, but Northern Ireland-wide abortion services have yet to be commissioned by the Department of Health.
Mr Swann argued that as a contentious issue, it is up to the executive to agree to set up the services.
The issue strongly divides opinion in Northern Ireland with high-profile campaigns both for and against liberalization of abortion law.
Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill accused Mr Swann of “failing” women and health trusts.
“Since the framework came into effect, the Minister of Health has a legal responsibility to ensure that he provides modern and compassionate health and abortion services and that they are delivered through the trust funds. health here, “she told MEPs on Monday.
“I believe his failure to do so not only fails women who have a legal and human right to compassionate health services, but he also fails his own health trusts, which have a right to expect leadership from. their minister. ”
She added: “The minister should end the backlog and fulfill his legal responsibilities to make these services available to women.
“His failure to do so to date is totally unacceptable.
“I think the framework and the legislation are crystal clear, it is the legal responsibility of the Minister of Health to ensure that these services are provided.
“And the longer the delay, the more it denies women access to compassionate, modern and life-saving health care services.
“So this has to end and the minister has to act. “
Last week, DUP MP Paul Givan launched a legislative attempt to repeal an aspect of the recently liberalized abortion laws.
His private member’s bill seeks a specific provision that allows for layoffs until birth in cases of severe non-fatal disabilities.
