NWC deeply disappointed by decision to halt illumination in Belfast
Published: Friday, September 25, 2026
The National Women’s Council (NWC) today (25th September) has expressed its deep disappointment that the illumination of Belfast City Hall to mark International Safe Abortion Day on Monday, 28th September, has been halted.
Corrinne Hasson, Executive Director of the National Women’s Council (NWC) said,
“We’re deeply disappointed that the illumination of Belfast City Hall, which was voted on and passed by the Council, has been halted. The right to access healthcare, including abortion, is essential for women’s rights and equality and should not be up for debate.
Unsafe abortion remains a leading but preventable cause of maternal death worldwide. International Safe Abortion Day is a Global Day of Action to demand access to safe and legal abortion care everywhere. It is commemorated by the United Nations, the World Health Organization and governments across the world. The illumination would have sent a strong message to women in Northern Ireland that their right to access safe healthcare is being recognised.”
Danielle Roberts, Co-convener of the Alliance for Choice, and member organisation of the Abortion Working Group chaired by the National Women’s Council said,
“As campaigners for reproductive rights in Northern Ireland for many years, we are extremely disappointed that this positive initiative to show solidarity with those living under dangerous abortion bans around the world, and to send a message against abortion stigma, has been delayed. Abortion rights truly are a global struggle and International Safe Abortion Day is a chance to recognise progress, as well as draw attention to challenges.
Women and pregnant people in Northern Ireland still face barriers to access abortion care, despite the law changing over 5 years ago. These
include stigma and limited availability in some areas, and we have no provision of telemedicine which is available elsewhere on these
islands. Additionally the comprehensive RSE included in the legislation has not been introduced. To highlight these issues and
mark International Safe Abortion Day, Alliance for Choice has now organised an alternative projection onto the MAC in Belfast for Monday
evening.”
Belfast City Hall was scheduled to light up green to mark International Safe Abortion Day as part of a European wide initiative by the National Women’s Council in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights and other women’s rights organisations, including Alliance for Choice.
On Monday evening, buildings in over 10 locations across Europe, including the Mansion House and Trinity College in Dublin, as well as buildings in London, Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, Edinburgh, Geneva, Zagreb, Yerevan, Augsburg, Pula, Büdelsdorf and Recklinghausen will light up green to mark International Safe Abortion Day.
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