Minister defends abortion legislation after ‘unsettling’ case
Junior finance minister Simon Harris defended the Government’s Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act, which provides for terminations in limited circumstances.
But the Wicklow TD said any decision on whether a referendum was needed on legalising abortion further would depend on a report due next year on how the new law has been applied.
His comments came as both independent and Labour party figures made further calls to lift the constitutional ban on abortion.
The debate comes after it emerged a suicidal immigrant teenager, who was made pregnant through rape but was unable to travel abroad, was denied an abortion.
Her 24-week-old foetus was delivered by caesarean section despite her protests and after she had refused to take food and water.
Mr Harris said the Government had brought in legislation to address the X case and the ABC European ruling, which both upheld the right of a woman to have an abortion if her life is at risk.
“I’m happy that we did that and tried to put in place a legislative framework that recognises the right to life of the woman, the right to life of the unborn, and giving medical clinicians... [the power to decide] what is in the best interests of the mother,” he said.
Mr Harris said the full facts of the teenager’s case and her treatment were unknown and the outcome of a HSE internal investigation would “shed light” on what happened.
“What we do know is deeply unsettling. Did the legislation work properly? Was the legislation adhered to? Is the HSE satisfied that everything that should have been done was done?”
A decision to ban abortions under the Constitution was voted on in 1983, he noted.
“We are where we are in relation to the Constitution because of a vote of the people as opposed to any decision by a government.”
Asked if a referendum was needed, he said that the Coalition had only agreed to legislate for the X case.
“My own view is the Government’s commitment has been fulfilled in that regard,” said Mr Harris.
Spokespeople for the coalition leaders in recent days have indicated that a vote during this government is not being considered.
Asked if a vote would be put to people down the line, Mr Harris responded: “It’s hard to call, I think this is a divisive issue,” he told East Coast FM.
But independent Dublin TD Clare Daly said Ireland’s abortion laws were restrictive, “cruel and degrading” for victims of rape.
She questioned why those in government were talking about leaving any vote on the matter until after the next general election.
Labour senator Ivana Bacik said that if the constitutional convention was recalled it could help lay the groundwork for any future vote.
Independent senator Ronan Mullen noted that little concern was being given to the life of the newborn in the case.
