TD’s hope to ‘inject mercy into inhumane abortion law’ with Foetal Pain Relief Bill

TD’s hope to ‘inject mercy into inhumane abortion law’ with Foetal Pain Relief Bill The sponsors of Carol Nolan TD's ‘Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021’ assemble outside the Convention Centre in Dublin before statements are made about the bill, which aims to ensure pain relief is administered to unborn babies prior to late-term abortions.

Ten TD’s co-signed the ‘Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021’ that was introduced into the Dáil today (Wednesday May 12), calling it a “humane proposal” in response to an “inhumane law”.

Independent TD Carol Nolan introduced the Bill in the Dáil at First Stage, with the intention of ensuring pain relief is administered to unborn babies prior to late-term abortions.

Under the ‘Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018’, there is no requirement for the administration of pain relief.

Calling it a “humane and reasonable proposal”, Ms Nolan said the “mounting scientific evidence from around the world that unborn babies feel pain must be acknowledged and acted upon”.

“It’s extraordinary to think that ‘Ireland’s Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013’ obliges vets to give pain relief to an animal during any procedure that may cause it suffering or distress, yet no such provision exists in law for unborn babies during late-term abortions,” Ms Nolan added.

“For the sake of unborn babies and everyone personally impacted by the abortion issue, it is time to put politics to one side and work together to make a small but merciful adjustment to the new law.”

Mercy

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who also supported the bill, said it is “a very reasonable proposal seeking to inject some sort of mercy into an inhumane law”.

“I have pro-choice friends who have said they agree with our Bill on pain relief, and I know from canvassing and campaigning that there are many people around the country who are deeply shocked to learn that in 2018 the Government voted against an amendment which sought pain relief for the unborn,” Mr Tóibín continued.

Mr Tóibín said it was “incredible” that when TD’s introduced amendments to the 2018 abortion act, including ensuring the unborn would be given pain relief in the case of a late term abortions, “the Government and much of the opposition opposed these amendments”.

He urged everyone to contact their TD’s to call on them to support the bill.

The bill was signed by: Carol Nolan, Michael Collins, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae, Mattie McGrath, Richard O’Donoghue, Sean Canney, Éamon Ó Cuiv, Peter Fitzpatrick, Noel Grealish, Peadar Tóibín.