The report by the working group on fatal foetal abnormality (FFA) is expected to be presented to the Northern Ireland Executive later this week.

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

It was directed to engage with healthcare professionals as well as those people directly affected by fatal foetal abnormality on the issue.

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill said she expects to receive the report in the next few days and will bring it to the Executive alongside Justice Minister Claire Sugden.

Ms O’Neill told MLAs this week: “The Minister of Justice and I agreed the membership and terms of reference of the fatal foetal abnormality working group on 5 July.

“That group has been working over the summer and the last number of months to consider the care and support provided to women and their families when a fatal foetal abnormality diagnosis has been given. That includes consideration of legislative changes.

“The group has met on several occasions, and I expect to receive its report in the coming days. Along with the Minister of Justice, I will then bring it to the Executive.”

Pressed further by Alliance MLA Naomi Long, Ms O’Neill said she would accept any legislative recommendations by the group.

She said: “I suppose it will be for the Executive to decide how we take it forward, but I will bring the report that the working group produces over the next days to the Executive in its entirety.

“If there is a recommendation for legislative change, I will certainly be up for making that legislative change.”