Brady: Law on access not required

THE European Court’s decision on the right of women to access abortion “does not oblige Ireland to introduce legislation authorising abortion,” according to Cardinal Seán Brady.

Reacting to the judgment, Cardinal Brady said the decision raised profound moral and legal issues that will require careful analysis and reflection.

“Today’s judgment leaves future policy in Ireland on protecting the lives of unborn children in the hands of the Irish people and does not oblige Ireland to introduce legislation authorising abortion. The Irish Constitution clearly says that the right to life of the unborn child is equal to that of his or her mother. These are the fundamental human rights at stake,” he said.