Niamh Uí Bhriain A prominent pro-life group has accused the Government of “railroading” abortion legislation which will leave no opportunity to make “life-saving amendments” to the bill.
The Pro-Life Campaign (PLC) said Minister Simon Harris is “shutting down debate” on the forthcoming abortion legislation which is due to be introduced to the Dáil this week. Despite expectations, the Government has sought to curtail debate by foregoing pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill.
Legislation
According to pro-life activist Niamh Uí Bhriain there are 10 Amendments that need to made to the current drafted legislation which includes a right to conscientiously object in participating or making arrangements for the termination of pregnancy, as well as redefinitions of terms such as ‘viability’ and ‘foetus’.
Although debate is trying to be curbed, Ms Uí Bhriain said that the Referendum Commission’s information booklet sent to every household in the State prior to the vote told people: “Laws are made by the Oireachtas. You are not being asked in this referendum to vote on any particular law relating to the termination of pregnancy.”
She added that RTÉ’s exit poll found that only half of voters agreed with the 12-weeks on demand provision of the abortion. “Mr Harris’ mandate is not what he is claiming it to be,” she said.