Social democrats' proposed amendments to abortion laws are 'problematic'

The laws, brought forward by Holly Cairns, would also stop the need for women to travel abroad in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities. File picture: Liam McBurney/PA 

Proposals from the Social Democrats to decriminalise medical doctors who carry out abortions after the 12-week gestation period are problematic, the Government has said.

TDs are set to debate proposed reform of Ireland’s abortion laws on Wednesday, as Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns calls for the removal of the three-day waiting period.

The laws, brought forward by Ms Cairns, would also stop the need for women to travel abroad in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

There is a requirement for two medical practitioners to certify that the condition is likely to result in death before or within 28 days, leading some women to opt to travel to the UK.

The 8th Amendment was repealed in 2018, with laws then being introduced to allow abortion up to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

A Government spokesperson confirmed the Coalition would permit its TDs a free conscience vote on the Social Democrats’ bill, but that there are several “difficulties” with provisions of the bill.

They said there was engagement between the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Office of the Attorney General over the proposed laws.

“The feedback received identified that some of the proposed amendments are unnecessary and can (and are) addressed through the existing legal framework, while others would be problematic from an operational and legal perspective,” a Government spokesperson stated.

It added that the decriminalisation of medical doctors and revised criteria for termination for medical reasons present “significant difficulties”.

The spokesperson also argued that there has been increased availability of abortion services, with services provided in all 19 maternity hospitals.Speaking previously, Ms Cairns said the legislation would enact the recommendations of an expert review by Marie O’Shea, published three years ago.

“Every month that passes, without action, is a month in which more and more women are failed,” Ms Cairns said.

• Tadgh McNally is a Political Reporter.