While the issue is hung up in debate, legal experts question why that should be delaying implementation of surgical or pill-induced abortions at clinics, which were supposed to become available up to 12 weeks of pregnancy after the law went into effect.

Abortion is one of the most contentious political issues in Northern Ireland, and many commentators believe that the Department of Health is stalling the process out of ideological objections. The health minister, Robin Swann, has described himself as “pro-life.”

The previous law permitted abortions only if the woman’s life was in danger. Even in the event of rape, incest or fetal abnormalities, women were required to carry their pregnancies to term, and anyone caught procuring an abortion could face life imprisonment.

“We know that health professionals are ready to offer abortion services and that the Trusts have stated they are awaiting approval from the Department of Health,” said Fiona Bloomer, an abortion policy researcher at Ulster University, speaking of the hospital trusts of the National Health Service.

“There is no other blockage to this apart from a decision by the minister of health,” Dr. Bloomer said. “As the D.O.H. has failed to provide any answers, the only conclusion we can draw is that this is a political decision, to stall implementation of the regulations.”

The Department of Health said that an agreement to begin providing abortions had to be reviewed in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

“The minister is currently considering this urgently,” the department said in a statement. “Given the significance and sensitivity of the issue, it will be a decision for the executive,” the statement said, referring to the devolved government of Northern Ireland.