Medical tests could raise ‘mental anguish’ risk

A woman seeking an abortion in Ireland, especially those at risk of suicide, should not be subjected to up to four examinations by doctors as this could “unduly increase her risk of mental anguish”, according to leading human rights experts.

In a set of recommendations to James Reilly, the health minister, it warned that repeated examinations, after an initial request for a termination and on review, could be “intrusive” and could infringe upon the woman’s right to respect for her private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Irish Human Rights Commission is also suggesting that if an abortion decision is sent to review and the termination is once again rejected, the woman should “receive written reasons for the decision in the event she wishes to seek judicial review of the decision”.