Ireland Takes Up Bill on Abortion Access
Source: NY Times
One of the most deeply divisive issues in Irish society was reignited Wednesday night when the Irish Parliament began debate on a bill that would provide for limited access to abortion.
As in the United States, it was the Supreme Court here that legalized abortion, although in strictly limited circumstances. But in the 20 years since the decision in the “X Case,” successive governments have shied away from enacting the legislation needed to carry out the order.
The proposed measure would provide “for termination of pregnancy where a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman exists.” The bill’s sponsor, an opposition Socialist Party deputy, Clare Daly, said it was long overdue.
“We believe that it is only a first step for abortion to be legalized in Ireland in all circumstances. We have waited long enough,” Ms. Daly said. “Over 100,000 Irish abortions have taken place in Britain for many different reasons, none of them easy, all of them valid. The hypocrisy, injustice and expense of having to travel to England for terminations, away from family and friends, is a disgrace.”
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/world/europe/ireland-takes-up-bill-on-abortion-access.html
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