Govt proposal on abortion 'a chilling prospect'

The Government’s proposal on abortion "won’t be and can’t be restrictive", according to the Pro Life campaign.

The Government has decided today to introduce legislation and regulation to allow for abortion in certain cases when a woman's life is at risk, including the threat of suicide.

The option was favored in the report of the expert group on abortion law which was considered at Cabinet today.

Responding to the Government’s decision today Cora Sherlock, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign, said: "The Government was always going to present any proposals to introduce abortion as “very restrictive”. But the reality is they simply won’t be and can’t be."

In a statement the Government said they will provide clarity for the medical profession about what is permissable. Doctors will still have to take full account of the equal right to life of the unborn child.

However, the Pro Life campaign claimed the move will lead to "wide-ranging abortion".

Ms Sherlock said: "The X case decision heard no medical evidence and contains no duty of care towards the baby, so any such legislation proposed by the Government would for the first time introduce an abortion regime into this country in which the life of the baby could be directly and intentionally targeted for destruction.

"This is a chilling prospect - once the principle of protecting human life is conceded, it leads inevitably to wide-ranging abortion.

"Everyone agrees women in pregnancy should receive whatever treatments are necessary to safeguard their lives, and as our world-class record in maternal safety shows, women already receive such outstanding care."

The Pro Life Campaign have said they will oppose the Government’s decision.

Legislation in line with the Supreme Court X case will be drafted over the coming months by Health Minister James Reilly.