Dana ‘will not support’ Government in abortion referendum

Dana, who has campaigned for a referendum on abortion, has said she will not support it.

The former singer Dana Rosemary Scallon said she would not vote ‘‘Yes’’ in the referendum, as the Government has urged, because it did not ‘‘vindicate the value of life from conception’’.

A ‘‘Yes’’ vote would cement the illegality of abortion in the Irish Republic in all cases except when a pregnant woman’s life is in danger. A threat of suicide would not be grounds for an abortion.

The vote comes in a bid to clarify the law, which has been confused by previous referenda and High Court decisions.

Today Ms Scallon, Independent MEP for Connacht and Ulster, said: ‘‘Throughout the past years I have joined in the many calls for a new referendum ... to restore adequate protection for the unborn.

‘‘However, it is my belief that the current referendum not only does not afford protection for the unborn between the times of conception and implantation, it in fact removes the current protection of the pre-implanted unborn.’’

She attacked a clause in the referendum which gives doctors discretion to decide when a pregnant woman’s life is in danger.

‘‘This could be open to wide interpretation, particularly if medical guidelines and ethics were to change in Ireland, as we are advised they may,’’ she said.

She added that the debate should not be polarised, with those voting ‘‘Yes’’ being labelled pro-life and those choosing ‘‘No’’ being seen as pro-abortionists.

She added: ‘‘As a matter of conscience and of my own integrity, my position must remain the same as it has always been - that I uphold the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.’’

Despite her opposition to the referendum it is understood that Ms Scallon will not be actively campaigning for a ‘‘No’’ vote.

The referendum is being held on March 6.