Doctors refuse to back X case motion

Doctors have rejected a motion to support legislation for abortion where there is a “real and substantial risk’’ to the life of the mother, in line with the X case.

There was a heated and emotive debate on the issue at the Irish Medical Organisation’s AGM, which also heard that doctors were out of step with the majority of the population, who wanted abortion in certain circumstances.

The main motion was defeated 42 votes to 31. Two others motions — calling for abortion for women who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, and for those with fatal foetal abnormalities — were also defeated.