TDs press for ‘disability amendment’ in abortion law

TDs who opposed repealing the Eighth Amendment will press for a ‘disability amendment’ to be added to forthcoming legislation to stop access to termination as soon as such conditions are diagnosed.

Health Minister Simon Harris has signalled he will oppose the move, in line with a Government commitment that abortions will be legal without specific indication in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The move would delay the passing of the legislation to give effect to the resounding vote to repeal the Eighth Amendment and liberalise Ireland’s abortion laws.