‘D’ case shows need for abortion here

IN his decision in the ‘D’ case, Judge McKechnie claimed it was not about abortion, but the right to travel.

Although his decision to allow ‘Miss D’ to travel was correct, it is important to point out that this case is most certainly about abortion.

It is about the failure of several governments to legislate and clarify abortion law in this country. It is about a government that sanctions abortion as long as it happens elsewhere. It is about the right of all women to have access to legal abortion in this country.

Not only should abortion law be clarified to allow full access to information and rights to travel, but the law should be changed to allow abortion in this country so that women could receive proper pre- and post-abortion care, counselling, and attention regardless of age, income or immigration status.

How many more cases have to arise before the Government legislates to clarify abortion law in Ireland? How many more women and girls will have to suffer from the trauma of a non-viable foetus or a risk to their own health, from being forced to travel abroad, or from protracted court cases and media and public attention to their plight?

We need to tell the new government to end the hypocrisy.

Jennifer Dewan

Cork Women’s Right to Choose Group

Douglas Street

Cork