Chai Brady
A number of Solidarity/People Before Profit and Rise TDs have proposed the suspension of the existing three-day waiting period before an abortion can be obtained be added to emergency legislation being debated in the Dáil.
This is in addition to the proposals to permit abortion consultations and prescriptions online.
The proposals form part of a number of submissions made by TD’s to the Emergency Measures legislation, which are being discussed in order to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Eílís Mulroy, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign said: “TD’s should be encouraged to work on what unites them rather than allowing such extreme suggestions to become a divisive focal point within parliament.
“Over the last number of days and weeks we have all witnessed a concerted and unified public response to the current crisis.
“We have also watched as our politicians’ debate and put forward good faith proposals to try and tackle this crisis. That is the kind of responsible and civic minded attitude we wish to see continue at the legislative level.”
Ms Mulroy said it was “entirely regrettable” that some elected officials are “seeking to approach the emergency legislation as an ideological platform through which they can advance an agenda”.
“Both the Dáil and Seanad should not be subjected to lengthy and protracted debates at this time,” she said.
“We do need careful scrutiny of the legislation. What we do not need however is a rush to insert provisions that in both the immediate and long term will cause irreparable damage to human life and human health.”
“We urge supporters to contact their TDs immediately to ensure that these proposals are wholly rejected during the debates today,” added Ms. Mulroy
The Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill is aiming to reduce the spread of the disease and mitigate the adverse economic consequences it has created.
This is a major piece of legislation that would ordinarily take weeks if not months to progress through the Dáil. Today (March 26) there is a 12-hour ongoing session in which TDs are debating the bill.
TDs contact details can be found on the Oireachtas websit at: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/