Coveney opposes ‘unrestricted’ access to abortion

Tánaiste Simon Coveney says circumstances for terminating a pregnancy must be justified and that, while the Constitution should be amended, he does not favour unrestricted abortions.

The Foreign Affairs Minister says proposals for abortions without restriction up to the 12th week of pregnancy are only “the starting point” in debate around legislation that may follow a yes vote.

Mr Coveney’s views clash with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s and other Government figures, who favour the 12-week rule, and are likely to complicate a Cabinet position for the vote.