Abortion debate: All publicly funded hospitals to provide legal health services, says Health Minister

All publicly funded hospitals will be expected to provide legal health services, including women’s health services, says Health Minister Simon Harris.

He was responding to reports that Catholic hospitals could break the law and refuse to offer abortions in all circumstances under a code of ethics by the Irish Catholic Bishops.

“It is the minister for health’s clear view that health service providers have a statutory responsibility to comply with the provisions of health legislation,” stated his department yesterday.