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Abortion Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Ceisteanna (334)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

334. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will address the significant public concerns that the 13,243 abortions that have taken place under the provisions of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 stands in contrast to the numerous commitments provided to the persons that the rate of abortions, post-enactment of this legislation would be rare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51870/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, a referendum on the Thirty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution was held on 25 May 2018. The referendum was passed by a substantial majority, and article 40.3.3 of the Constitution was amended to confirm that the Oireachtas may make laws for the regulation of the termination of pregnancy.

A draft General Scheme of a Bill to Regulate Termination of Pregnancy was published by the Department of Health in advance of the referendum, so that voters would be aware of the Government’s intentions should the referendum pass. Key elements of the legislation, in particular the grounds on which termination of pregnancy may be carried out, remain the same as those set out in the draft General Scheme.

The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was subsequently signed into law on 20 December 2018. It permits termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth; and without restriction up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Expanded services for termination of pregnancy under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 were introduced from 1 January 2019.

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