The North's Family Planning Association (FPA) has announced it will attempt to seek a judicial review in the Belfast High Court to ensure women in Northern Ireland have the same rights to terminate pregnancies as women in Britain.
The director of the association, Ms Audrey Simpson, described the case as a "major step" and the first time such an action had been taken.
Papers were lodged with the court last week and the association is awaiting a decision on whether an oral hearing will be granted in the case.
Ms Simpson said although Britain's 1967 Abortion Act did not apply in Northern Ireland, abortion was legal in certain circumstances. However, confusion surrounded the exact circumstances and "inconsistent medical practice" had resulted.
In 1999, 70 abortions were performed in the North, a majority on the grounds of foetal abnormality. "Foetal abnormality is not mentioned in any piece of legislation," she said.
"The association is asking the courts to advise the Department of Health and Social Services that it is their duty to ensure that all women in Northern Ireland have equal access to reproductive healthcare," added Ms Simpson.
Ms Anne Weyman, the chief executive of the association, said all women in the UK should be able to avail of high quality NHS abortion services. Women in the North contribute to the NHS but have found it virtually impossible to avail of services. "It is a gross injustice to the women of Northern Ireland that they are forced to travel for a basic healthcare service." The association estimates 40,000 women have travelled to Britain in the last 20 years seeking abortions, with each paying between £450 to £900 for travel and medical costs.
The Belfast anti-abortion group, Precious Life, yesterday pledged to challenge the case if it became necessary.
"The FPA don't care about women if they're calling for legalised abortion which has profound effects on the psychological and physical wellbeing of women," said spokeswoman Ms Bernadette Smyth. "It cannot be a healthcare issue if someone dies."
Last June, a DUP motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly against extending the 1967 Act to the North was backed by almost all political parties in the chamber.