Creed: I can’t support 12-week limit

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has revealed that he cannot support unrestricted abortion and that in his opinion the unborn deserves protection in law where the health of the mother is not at risk.

Breaking his silence on the proposed abortion referendum, Mr Creed told the Irish Examiner that he supported amending the Constitution but could not back proposals to terminate pregnancies without reservation up to 12 weeks.

The proposed referendum is expected to be discussed by TDs, senators, and MEPs at the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil party meetings this evening. The Government has also begun the process of setting up the referendum commission for the planned vote in late May.