Current coalition will not address foetal abnormalities

Allowing abortions in cases where a baby has no chance of survival outside the womb will not be dealt with in the lifetime of this Government.

Senior Labour Party figures have said they hope the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities will be dealt with in the future, but played down the possibility of it happening during this Coalition’s term.

An amendment tabled by a group of Independent TDs to the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill that would allow abortions in such circumstances was defeated in the Dáil with 19 TDs in favour and 12 against.