Campaigners on both sides question giving Medical Council the final say

Voices from both the pro-choice and pro-life sides of the abortion debate questioned whether handing the issue over to the Medical Council was either a likely or an adequate solution.

It is understood one of the options outlined in the report from an expert group on abortion is that powers be given to the Medical Council to deal with termination issues on a case-by-case basis, apparently avoiding the need for primary legislation.

However, yesterday legal opinion on both sides of the debate suggested any such move could be open to a legal challenge and in addition, would not provide the clarity called for by medical practitioners currently working in the area.