Attorney General rules out abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities - reports

The Attorney General Maire Whelan has categorically ruled out abortion in Ireland in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, according to reports.

The Cabinet received legal advice on the issue last week, ahead of a vote on a new bill proposed by Clare Daly. The bill was ultimately defeated by by 104 votes to 20.

But a report in the Sunday Business Post says the advice given by the Attorney-General states that where a baby is capable of being born alive "it is quite clear that Article 40.3.3 is engaged".

This relates to a provision of the 8th amendment in the Constitution, which guarantees the equal right to life of the unborn.

The newspaper says the advice, which it has seen, leaves no room for doubt that the bill proposed by Ms Daly is in conflict with the Constitution.

The advice also notes that there is no agreement on what constitutes a fatal foetal abnormality.

It adds that even in cases where a baby would die after a short period, the protection from Article 40.3.3 still applies.

The advice seems to suggest that only a constitutional referendum would change this.

The proposals from Deputy Daly would have allowed for abortion when a fatal foetal abnormality has been diagnosed, and two doctors were in agreement. In speaking ahead of Tuesday's vote, Deputy Daly called for "a bit of backbone" on the issue.