Policy Paper, Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy which
includes “termination of pregnancy up to 12 weeks of
pregnancy without specific indication”. In addition, the guidance states that “termination
of pregnancy for a fetal condition likely to lead to death before or shortly
after birth or for maternal health should not have a gestational limit in the
General Scheme”; language that the
pro-life movement in Ireland believes opens the door for late-term abortion on
demand owing to the broad term “maternal health”.
The result places Ireland in the ignoble position of being
the first country to vote to legalize abortion and not have it imposed
legislatively or judicially. An analysis of the vote shows that 64.1% of
eligible voters voted and a minority of 42.5% of Irish citizens actually voted
to legalize abortion.
Despite the euphoria by government officials, including the Taoiseach Leo
Varadkar, The burden is now on lawmakers to
devise legislation while political parties begin to form positions on the
legislation. A provision to protect health providers’ right to conscientious
objection is one of the controversies facing lawmakers and the cabinet. Health
Minister Harris tweeted that there will be an opt-out clause for health
providers opposed to abortion but that those who do so will be required to
refer for abortion, including general practice physicians.