A draft report for the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister reveals that in 2001, pregnant women in certain areas of Belfast avoided antenatal care to avoid clinics in neighborhoods dominated by the other religion. This finding is part of a broader study on the costs of sectarian polarization in Northern Ireland, which highlighted the extensive duplication of services and inefficiencies due to religious divisions. The report underscores the deep societal divide, which extends to essential services like healthcare.
Key Findings:
Pregnant women in Belfast refused antenatal care to avoid clinics in areas associated with the other religion.
The report highlights the significant costs and inefficiencies caused by sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland.
The Troubles led to higher public expenditure, including a larger police force and compensation for damage due to civil unrest.
Context:
The study illustrates how sectarianism has affected various aspects of daily life in Northern Ireland, including public services. It shows the extreme polarization within communities and the impact on essential services, like healthcare. The divisions have led to duplicated services and increased costs, reflecting the broader social and economic consequences of the conflict.
Implications:
This report sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by Northern Ireland due to its divided society. Addressing these issues requires understanding the deep-rooted sectarian divisions and their impact on public services and community interactions.
