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A Co Down woman appeared in court today accused of using a poison to procure her own abortion.

The 21-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces two charges over allegedly supplying and administering harmful substances.

She was returned for trial after a judge confirmed she has a case to answer.

The accused entered the dock at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary enquiry into alleged offences committed during June and July 2014.

One charge involves unlawfully administering to herself noxious substances, namely the drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol, with intent to procure a miscarriage for herself.

She is further accused of supplying or procuring a poison, knowing that it was to be used for the intentions of a miscarriage.

Both charges are contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The woman confirmed she understood the alleged offences.

When asked if she wanted to give evidence or call any witnesses at this stage, she replied: “No”.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall ordered her to stand trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed. She then released the defendant on £500 bail. The woman left court accompanied by some relatives or friends in the public gallery.