Fitzgerald says 'critical' abortion legislation draft will be brought to govt in next week
The first draft of new abortion legislation will be brought to government in the next week, according to Minister Frances Fitzgerald.
Speaking in the wake of the inquest into Savita Halapanavaar's death, the Minister for Children says it is now critical that legislation clarifying the circumstances in which abortion can be performed is introduced.
The 31-year-old dentist from India died from a severe infection five days after her request for an abortion was turned down at Galway University Hospital.
Minister Fitzgerald says the government is committed to introducing the legislation: "The Taoiseach has made it very clear that he will bring in legislation that will clarify these issues. There is a very strong commitment from the government to do that.
"The plan is to bring in the draft in the next week or so and bring in legislation before the summer."
