Government exhibited no moral or political bravery on this one

The draft abortion legislation has to be welcomed because after 21 years of moral cowardice, a government has set out a medical and legal pathway for women and medical personnel to participate in an abortion when there is a “real and substantial risk” to the life of a pregnant woman.

Members of Pro-Life Campaign protesting outside Leinster House over draft #abortion legislation pic.twitter.com/Zdqxx7LonB

— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrien_) May 1, 2013

It does not provide any extra rights to women other than that which has existed ever since the Supreme Court ruled in the X Case that, under these conditions, an abortion could take place in this jurisdiction.