SDLP Foyle Assembly Candidate Pat Ramsey has said the party’s pro-life position is resonating with potential voters on the doorsteps in the constituency.

He said : “The subject of abortion has been raised with me during canvasses. It is an issue I have spoken about many times both in the Assembly and elsewhere.

“The SDLP are unambiguously a pro-life party. We are in the business of upholding and enabling human rights.

“Our position is influenced by our human rights-based approach and we are determined to protect the right to life – the most fundamental human right of all.

“The SDLP has consistently opposed the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland and I pledge to continue to oppose any moves to extend this act or any liberal interpretation of the law if elected to the next Assembly.

“In today’s society there are many voices that must be represented and I would like to make it clear that I promise to be a voice for the unborn child. I will seek to maintain and preserve the fundamental integrity of humanity which goes to the heart of human values and the protection of life.”

Mr Ramsey also stated that more needed to be done to help women in crisis pregnancy. He said: “We recognise, however, that unplanned pregnancies are often a serious crisis for a woman, particularly a young single woman. But I believe society has not made the necessary effort required to support these women when they find themselves in these difficult situations. That is why we need a significant and substantial programme of support and assistance for those who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. These women need proper, emotional, physical and financial assistance. This is a core issue on which we should be focusing our minds and efforts. Anything we can do to sustain and support those who raise children must be our priority.”

Source: Derry Journal

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