An 18-year-old schoolgirl from County Down in Northern Ireland underwent an abortion in London after a booking error, even though she qualified for local treatment at 18 weeks pregnant. Her mother stated the experience caused trauma, worsened by separation from family.

The teenager contacted the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), based in England, which handles initial referrals for Northern Ireland patients. BPAS directed her to a London clinic due to confusion over local gestational limits. She travelled with her boyfriend, completed a two-day process including a hotel stay, then flew home while bleeding and cramping.

Abortions became available in Northern Ireland up to 24 weeks following decriminalisation in 2019, with formal commissioning by the Department of Health in late 2022. Five health trusts now provide services: Belfast, Northern, Southern, Western up to 12 weeks, and South Eastern up to 20 weeks or 24 weeks via foetal medicine.

In 2023, 145 women from Northern Ireland went to England or Wales for abortions, including 60 under 12 weeks. Emma Campbell of Alliance for Choice attributed this to poor public awareness and absence of a local booking system. The group noted capable local medical staff but access barriers.

The teenager's mother expressed anger that women still travel seven years after liberalisation and called for a local booking system. She reported reimbursement delays of nearly a year for travel costs. BPAS chief executive Heidi Stewart affirmed commitment to care quality and review of feedback.

Alliance Party health spokesperson Nuala McAllister voiced concern over 2023 travel numbers, citing difficulty finding service information online. The Department of Health stated it promotes access via social media, views BPAS arrangements as efficient, and meets regularly on referrals. It expects fewer travels as local options expand.