Government deliberates on abortion recommendations

The Government is to consider an Oireachtas report recommending a referendum be held to liberalise Ireland’s abortion laws and allow for terminations for pregnancies up to 12 weeks.

The committee has recommended a range of changes, including repealing the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which protects the life of the unborn. TDs have urged their party colleagues to join them on a “journey” and prepare for a campaign ahead of a referendum which will likely be held next May or June.

Members of the Oireachtas committee examining the amendment launched the report calling for a respectful debate ahead of the vote.