FG’s Mathews apologises over controversial televised remarks

A high-profile Fine Gael TD has apologised for claiming serious health risks for pregnant women are not a reason to allow abortion as “we’re all going to end up dead anyway”.

Peter Mathews made the controversial remarks during a lengthy panel discussion about the wider abortion debate on Monday’s edition of the TV3 show Tonight with Vincent Browne.

Speaking during the programme, Mr Mathews was asked if serious and potentially fatal health risks are an “acceptable risk” in pregnancy, or whether they are grounds for abortion in some cases. He responded: “But sure we’re all going to end up dead anyway.”