Seanad passes abortion bill with President to review it
Following over a month’s debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill in the Dáil and Seanad, senators approved the legislation by 39 votes to 14.
Some complained that its passage in the Seanad had been cut short when a final vote was called even though around 40 amendments had yet to be heard.
Department of Health sources last night suggested Mr Higgins could receive the bill as early as today.
He will then make a decision within five to seven days on whether to approve the legislation or call upon his advisers in the Council of State. This could lead to it being referred to the Supreme Court for approval, under Article 26 of the Constitution.
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said the President should refer the bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.
The Supreme Court would then be obliged to hand down its ruling on the bill no later than 60 days after the date of reference.
Alex White, the junior health minister, said last night: “Twenty-one years after the X case, the enactment of the Protection of Life legislation is a significant landmark.
“This issue has always been one that relates principally to women’s lives. I believe strongly that it is also an issue of women’s rights.”
Anti-abortion campaigners said the passing of the bill was a “very sad day”.
“The legislation for the first time in our history will allow the direct targeting of the life of the unborn. The law is neither pro-woman nor pro-baby, and marks a very sad day for our country,” said the Pro-Life Campaign.
