Payment for denied abortion ‘shows State culpability’

The offer of compensation to a woman, who successfully made a case to the United Nations about Ireland’s abortion laws, is a recognition by the State that she was subjected to “cruel, inhuman and degrading” treatment because she was forced to travel to seek an abortion, the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NCWI) has said.

However, the NWCI also stated the Government needs to set a date for a referendum on the Eighth Amendment, instead of just continuing to compensate women.

Health Minister Simon Harris said yesterday the Government was offering a payment of €30,000 and appropriate psychological services to Amanda Mellet.