Referendum unlikely on status of unborn child

THE Government last night poured cold water on reports it would hold a referendum this year on the hugely emotive issue of when life begins.

The coalition is thought to be unwilling to consider such a divisive referendum with a general election looming.

The possibility of a referendum was first raised by the Government-appointed Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction in its report last year.

It said there was a lack of clarity about Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, which provides protection for the “unborn”.

“It is not clear whether protection applies from fertilisation or from some subsequent point in the process,” the report said. “Clarification can only be sought ... from the Supreme Court or by way of constitutional referendum.”

The commission made 40 recommendations on how the Government should approach the regulation of all forms of fertility treatment.

The Government referred the report to an all-party parliamentary committee for consideration - the results of which are due in the coming weeks.

One of the recommendations is expected to be that the Government hold a referendum on when life begins.

One report yesterday suggested the Government could hold the referendum this year. But a Government spokesman effectively dismissed that possibility, saying: “It hasn’t even got to consideration stage yet.”