Cautious welcome for compromise abortion deal

The Cabinet finally agreed to legislate for the X case ruling after a hard-fought compromise on how to deal with women refused a termination.

In a deal cautiously welcomed by Labour backbenchers, but received more cooly by Fine Gael representatives, a woman seeking a termination on suicidal intent grounds will need the unanimous agreement of three consultants — two psychiatrists and an obstetrician.

However, if the woman is declined an abortion, she can then appeal that decision to a panel of three more doctors — who must again then rule unanimously.