Dáil to begin debate on implementing X-case ruling
A Dáil debate will take place tonight on implementing the 'X-case' ruling which recommended the provision of limited access to abortion in Ireland.
Socialist TD Clare Daly is introducing the Private Members' Bill 20 years after a Supreme Court Judge overturned an injunction preventing a 14-year-old girl from travelling to Britain for an abortion.
The judge in the so-called X-Case made a recommendation that abortion would become legal in Ireland, in cases where there was a real and substantial threat to the life of the mother.
The Medical Treatment (Termination of Pregnancy in the case of Risk to Life of Pregnant Woman) Bill 2012 calls for termination of pregnancy to be available "where a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman exists" and to "make provision for the prevention of any curtailment, hindrance or preclusion of such treatment that may arise as a result of the pregnancy of the woman".
"Tabling this Bill is a first step to creating a legal framework for abortion in Ireland in cases where a woman's life is at risk," Deputy Daly said.
"We call on all parties in the Dáil to support this Bill, which will merely implement the 20-year-old ruling of the Supreme Court – a ruling the people of Ireland vindicated in two subsequent referendums.
"If the parties are not prepared to formally support this Bill, they should at least allow a free vote upon it.”
The Bill is also supported by Technical Group TDs Joan Collins, Mick Wallace and Luke Flanagan.
It is expected the Government’s stance on the Bill will be outlined by the Health Minister during the course of the debate which is scheduled for tonight and mid-morning tomorrow.
Pro-life campaigners have criticised the Bill saying it "dishonestly creates the impression that women are denied necessary medical treatments in pregnancy" and "would give effect to an abortion on demand regime in Ireland, if passed into law".
The debate is due to begin at 7.30pm.
