Foster says abortion vote will have no impact on NI law
Arlene Foster said the legislation governing abortion is a devolved issue and the Northern Ireland Assembly should debate such issues.
The government agreed with Mrs Foster. Labour and a number of senior Conservative MPs have called on Theresa May to back a reform in NI's abortion law after Friday's historic referendum.
A government spokesperson said abortion law is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. "This very sensitive issue highlights the pressing need to restore a fully functioning executive," the spokesperson added.
Northern Ireland's abortion law is more restrictive than the rest of the UK. Mrs Foster, whose party is propping up Theresa May's minority government, said a referendum was held in the Republic of Ireland because of the constitutional prohibition that existed there.
She said no such constitutional bar exists in Northern Ireland.
"Friday's referendum has no impact upon the law in Northern Ireland, but we obviously take note of issues impacting upon our nearest neighbour," Mrs Foster said in a statement.
"The legislation governing abortion is a devolved matter and it is for the Northern Ireland Assembly to debate and decide such issues."
Precious Life said the result of the Republic of Ireland's abortion referendum marked the "most tragic day in Irish history".
Bernadette Smyth said the result would only "spur on" anti-abortion activists to step up their battle to protect the unborn north of the Irish border,
"Northern Ireland is now the beacon of hope to the pro-life movement around the world," she said.