Abortion legislation before the Dáil next week

The minister intends to publish the text of the abortion legislation over the coming days and introduce it in the Dáil next week.

Harris today sought Cabinet approval for the text of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018, which will provide for access to terminations without restrictions up to the 12 weeks of pregnancy.

It will also provide for access to terminations when a mother’s life or health is at risk, and when there is a diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality.

The legislation follows on from May’s referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution.

Simon Harris on new abortion legislation and role of crisis pregnancy agencies pic.twitter.com/TEzstwv6OS — Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) September 27, 2018 Source: Christina Finn /Twitter

Harris today reaffirmed his commitment to the introduction of safe access zones to prevent women being intimidated or harassed when seeking services.

During the referendum campaign, concerns were raised about women being subjected to posters or protests outside doctors clinics and hospitals.

The minister sought legal advice as to who to introduce the safe access zones, and he has decided the zones will be established in a companion piece of legislation.

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will not apply the whip on the Bill, which is due before the Dáil next Thursday.

#Open journalism No news is bad news Support The Journal Your contributions will help us continue to deliver the stories that are important to you Support us now

Both parties have said it is an issue of conscience. The legislation is expected to pass both Houses of the Oireachtas easily, however it is understood the Dáil might sit an extra day next week – on Friday – in order to get the Bill over Second Stage.

TDs who campaigned against repealing the Eighth Amendment have said they will not block the legislation’s passage following the referendum result.

Last week, the Oireachtas Health Committee was told “there isn’t any evidence” for a three-day wait period for a woman to obtain an abortion.

However, in recent days, Harris said he would accept amendments to the abortion legislation which would shorten or get rid of the wait the 72 hour wait period.