Call for terminations to be allowed in fatal abnormality cases

A number of Fine Gael backbenchers are urging James Reilly, the health minister, to examine legal advice which says that allowing abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities would be compatible with the Constitution.

Under current Irish law, women have to carry a foetus to birth even if it will not live beyond delivery.

These circumstances are not included in proposed laws allowing for abortion in limited circumstances because, according to the Government, it would be in breach of the constitutional protection of the right to life of the unborn, and therefore, would require a referendum.