Abortion bill ‘won’t lead to surge in demand’

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said the abortion bill will not lead to a surge in demand for terminations and that the proposed bill is more pro-life than current arrangements for abortions.

Mr Varadkar, who has a medical degree, spoke after a third Fine Gael TD admitted he would not vote in favour of the legislation because of the inclusion of suicidal threat as a basis for a termination.

There will be a special sitting of the Dáil on Monday for the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill to hear remaining TDs speak on the legislation. Once speakers finish contributions on Tuesday, a vote in the Dáil will be held.