BBC viewers were left outraged and distraught by scenes in the new drama Three Families.
The two-part dramatisation tells the compelling real stories of the families behind the controversial campaign to lift Northern Ireland's restrictive abortion laws.
In the first episode, we meet young newlyweds Hannah, played by Amy James-Kelly, and Jonathan, played by Colin Morgan, are devastated when they learn that their much-wanted baby will not survive the pregnancy.
In their grief, the couple speak to their doctor about their options, only to realise how limited their choices are due to these laws.
We also meet Theresa Ryan, played by Sinead Keenan, who tries to help her teenage daughter when she falls pregnant by buying abortion pills online, but as word starts to get out, she discovers that she could face a prison sentence for breaking one of Northern Ireland’s most controversial laws.
People watching at home were both in tears and angry with the stories, many condemning the strict rules.
@orchidsbudget said: "There's nothing compassionate about forcing people to continue any pregnancy against their wishes."
@sapphicmerlin said: "God I’m crying seeing how happy they are knowing what’s to come."
@Berlinnaeus said: "Girls, women, people who are pregnant. All should be free to make their decisions - any decisions - free from shame or guilt."
@CarolleRalph said: "This is making me so angry I don't think I can watch it"
@EloquentParrot said: "My... God... This programme is enraging me. It's making me so sad and so angry that this is what women have to go through."
The Northern Irish Offences against the Person Act 1861 was repealed in October 2019.
*Three Families is available on BBC iPlayer
