Micheál Martin backs abortion in rape and fatal foetal abnormality cases

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has backed plans to allow abortions in fatal foetal abnormality, rape and incest cases but has stopped short of fully backing the Oireachtas abortion committee’s recommendations until he reviews them over the Christmas break.

Mr Martin outlined his position just 24 hours after the cross-party committee voted in favour of a series of measures to liberalise Ireland’s existing law.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner last night, Mr Martin said he believes “there needs to be movement on the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities” and that “I do not believe someone who is pregnant as a result of rape or incest should be forced to proceed with a pregnancy against their will”.