Last-minute changes to abortion bill

The Government is making last-minute changes to the abortion legislation emphasising the need to protect the unborn in an attempt to keep dissident Fine Gael TDs onside.

The Cabinet will discuss amendments to the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill tomorrow ahead of a final vote by TDs in the Dáil on the Bill on Wednesday.

More than 60 amendments have been proposed by Fine Gael TDs and others seeking changes, including removing a section allowing abortion where a woman threatens to commit suicide. However, the Cabinet is likely to sanction only a few changes.