Pro-choice doctors seek end of abortion ban

Pro-choice doctors have submitted proposals to the Irish Medical Council calling for the removal of its ban on abortion.

The IMC recently called for submissions to assist in updating its ethical guide and the "Doctors for Choice" group has suggested that it should advocate a doctor’s duty to refer a patient who requests an abortion.

Doctors are currently forbidden by law from referring such patients and "Doctors for Choice" believes this amounts to unethical treatment.

Spokesperson Mary Favier said: "Abortion is an integral part of mainstream medicine and should be respected as a legitimate choice made by thousands of Irish women."