The group was proposed in February after MLAs voted against allowing women to terminate pregnancies in the case of fatal foetal abnormality.

Despite the group’s first meeting taking place in early July, the identity of members have only been released today.

Chief medical officer Michael McBride chairs the group.

The other members are chief nursing officer, Charlotte McArdle; chief social services officer, Seán Holland; Department of Health secondary care directorate, Jackie Johnston; departmental solicitor’s officer, Hugh Widdis; and the Department of Justice’s Brian Grzymek and Amanda Patterson.

The group aims to involve other health professionals in order to gain expertise on the medical impact of fatal foetal abnormality and will engage with women and families who have been directly affected.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the group would report back with its proposals by the end of September.