Fatal foetal abnormality abortion vote ‘inevitable’

The "horrific" situations the State imposes on pregnant women with fatal foetal abnormalities mean a referendum on extending termination rights to them is inevitable, a Fine Gael minister has said.

Minister of state at the Department of Finance Simon Harris insists he is pro-life, but expects a national poll on changing the constitution in this area after the next general election.

However, Mr Harris said he does not support a bill going before the Dáil today from Independent TD Clare Daly seeking to change the law in such cases through amending legislation, as the minister believes a national poll is needed.