Attempts to remove suicide clause from abortion legislation fail

In a vote at committee stage this afternoon the suicide clause of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill was backed by eight votes to two.

The Health Minister refused a plea for a "cooling off period" after medical professionals would authorise a termination in a case of suicide.

The Health Committee voted to keep section nine of the legislation which allows for terminations when that is the only way to save the life of a suicidal woman.

The Health Minister only made minor amendments to the legislation, though signalled that he will bring more to strengthen the rights of the unborn even further at report stage in the Dáil next week.

One Fine Gael TD - Michelle Mulherin - felt a woman who was granted a termination on agreement from two psychiatrists and an obstetrician should be made wait.

"There would be a cooling off period, or a pause for a week to ten days, to allow things perhaps to settle," she said.

Health Minister James Reilly said apart from the AG saying it couldn't be done, he wouldn't do it.

"This very Oireachtas could be responsible for the death of a woman where the two psychiatrists have certified that the risk is real and substantial," he said.

"While we are having a cool off period this lady takes her life

"That is not something I am prepared to have on my conscience

Discussion on the committee stage continues and will conclude either late tonight or tomorrow.