Simon Harris defends decision to refer abortion debate to Citizens’ Assembly

Health Minister Simon Harris has defended the Government’s decision to refer the ongoing abortion debate to a Citizens’ Assembly.

The use of a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss the Eighth Amendment, which recognises the right to life of the unborn child, has been criticised by both sides of the debate.

The Irish Family Planning Association has said the assembly is “not sufficient to satisfy the State’s obligations under international human rights law,” while the Pro Life Campaign described it as “a pretend process with a pre-arranged outcome” that has been used for political reasons.