Fear of protests preventing doctors providing abortions

A cross-party group of Senators, TDs and campaigners from Together For Safety in support of the Safe Access To Termination of Pregnancy Bill at Leinster House last year. Department of Health officials now expect the bill could be published “in the weeks ahead” File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Fear of protests is having an “profound chilling effect” on doctors who might provide abortions and faster action on Safe Access Zones is needed, according to Together for Safety.

This follows an Oireachtas Health Committee session on Wednesday hearing that a timeline for enacting legislation is not clear.