MINISTER FOR HEALTH, Dr James Reilly, has restated the government’s commitment to implementing the expert group report on the A, B and C versus Ireland case, and bringing the required legal clarity.
“This does not mean abortion on demand,” said the Minister, while speaking in the Dáil this evening on the report of the Expert Group on the judgement in the A, B and C v Ireland case.
He said that the principles in the report are “very clear” and fully in line with our constitutional, legal, ethical and medical requirements. Minister Reilly said that the report provides a clear and human framework on which to base the provision of lawful termination in Ireland.
He said that the report rejects the argument that judgement in the X Case establishes a right to abortion at any gestational age.
He said that the expert group correctly emphasises that any system that would be put in place should be duly monitored. According to the Minister, the options laid out by the expert group are being considered and discussed by the government and the members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Reilly said that this is doubtless one of the divisive issues in Irish society, and “we must try to discuss it in an even and calm manner”. He said “we must protect the life of the pregnant mother and yet vindicate the right of the unborn child”. He added that the Government must clarify what is available regarding treatment for women, and clarify for professionals what is legal.
“As a Government we are elected to act, and we will,” concluded Minister Reilly.
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