Ireland – Renewed call for safe access zones for abortion services

Renewed call for safe access zones for abortion services

Monday, 6 Jan 2020
By Ailbhe Conneely

The Abortion Rights Alliance has used Nollaig na mBan to issue a statement calling for safe and accessible abortion provision. In a statement, spokesperson Charlene Delaney said "many continue to be left behind by the failings in our legislation".

She has accused the Government of failing to deliver or introduce legislation on safe access zones, which it has promised on countless occasions.

Continued: https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0106/1104625-abortion-rights-call/


Ireland – Master of Coombe says hospital not ready to provide abortion services

Master of Coombe says hospital not ready to provide abortion services

Tuesday, 11 Dec 2018

The Coombe Hospital will not be ready to provide abortion services by the start of January, according to the Master of the hospital, Dr Sharon Sheehan.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Dr Sheehan said she would advise Minister for Health Simon Harris to delay the introduction of services until February or March.

Continued: https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2018/1211/1016557-abortion/


Ireland – Liam Weeks: ‘Abortion: the issue that never goes away’

Liam Weeks: 'Abortion: the issue that never goes away'
New disagreements suggest the referendum has made abortion more political than ever

Liam Weeks
December 9 2018

After six referendums and 35 years of debate, there was a sentiment, or at least an expectation, that the abortion issue had finally been put to bed last May.

But, as the events surrounding Minister Simon Harris's plans to legislate for the referendum result have shown, abortion remains a live political issue.

Continued: https://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/liam-weeks-abortion-the-issue-that-never-goes-away-37607855.html


Ireland – Abortion law may be held up by the Seanad

Abortion law may be held up by the Seanad
Legislation’s passage could be delayed due to the number of Amendments tabled

Mon, Dec 10, 2018
Pat Leahy

A large number of amendments have been submitted for the Seanad debate on abortion legislation that begins today, threatening Government plans to have it on the statute books by Christmas.

More than 60 amendments have been put down to the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill, which passed through the Dáil last week after lengthy debates over several days and a late-night vote.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-law-may-be-held-up-by-the-seanad-1.3725474


Ireland – ‘Increased abortion reality’ may follow its introduction – Ronán Mullen

‘Increased abortion reality’ may follow its introduction - Ronán Mullen
Harris happy with level of preparedness to treat women ‘with care and compassion’

Mon, Dec 10, 2018
Marie O'Halloran

There were sharp exchanges in the Seanad debate on abortion legislation when Independent Senator Ronan Mullen questioned the truthfulness of the Minister for Health Simon Harris in turn accused the Senator of being “offensive”.

There was some heckling against Mr Mullen during the debate on terminations in emergency situations, as the Upper House considered committee stage amendments to the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/increased-abortion-reality-may-follow-its-introduction-ron%C3%A1n-mullen-1.3726655


Ireland – Abortion legislation in the Seanad – it’s not going to be easy

Abortion legislation in the Seanad - it's not going to be easy

Sunday, 9 Dec 2018
By Ailbhe Conneely, RTÉ News Political reporter

On Wednesday evening, as the clock ticked towards to midnight, the report stage of the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill completed its journey through the Dáil.

It was an historic occasion for pro-choice politicians who campaigned for the introduction of abortion services.

For opponents the fight continues.

Continued: https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2018/1207/1015880-abortion-legislation-seanad/


Ireland – Ronan Mullen pledges to ‘fight the good fight’ in Seanad abortion debate

Ronan Mullen pledges to 'fight the good fight' in Seanad abortion debate

Friday, December 07, 2018
By Daniel McConnell

Health Minister Simon Harris is set to reject amendments to his controversial abortion legislation when it is debated in the Seanad on Monday.

Concerns have been expressed by senators on both sides of the debate with pro-life opponents to the bill criticising attempts to rush the legislation through, while pro-choice senators have expressed concern over elements of the bill as currently drafted.

Continued: https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ronan-mullen-pledges-to-fight-the-good-fight-in-seanad-abortion-debate-890661.html


Ireland – Minister for Health introduces abortion bill to Seanad

Minister for Health introduces abortion bill to Seanad

Updated / Thursday, 6 Dec 2018
By Ailbhe Conneely, RTÉ News Political reporter

The Minister for Health has outlined the approach he will be taking regarding the consideration of the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill in the Seanad.

Introducing the bill this afternoon, Simon Harris acknowledged that people had different views on the legislation.

While he said the job of legislators was to scrutinise, Mr Harris said he would do what he promised the people.

continued: https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2018/1206/1015590-seanad-abortion-bill/


Ireland – Last-ditch attempt to curtail abortion law

Last-ditch attempt to curtail abortion law

Ellen Coyne, Senior Ireland Reporter
October 2 2018

An anti-abortion senator has claimed that the public did not vote to legalise abortion up to 12 weeks and has asked politicians to legislate as they “see fit”.

In a last-minute appeal to restrict abortion access in Ireland, Rónán Mullen has urged TDs and senators to “represent the concerns” of those who voted against repealing the Eighth Amendment in any new abortion law.

Continued: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/last-ditch-attempt-to-curtail-abortion-law-88vrsbk03


Ireland – Yes campaign’s outreach to middle ground delivered the landslide

Yes campaign’s outreach to middle ground delivered the landslide
Undecideds swung in huge numbers to Yes, as politicians struggled to keep up with pace of change

May 27, 2018
Pat Leahy

Politicians and politics are playing catch-up, following Friday’s vote. It happened before, with contraception, divorce and homosexuality. Now it has happened with abortion.

It’s not so much that the vote will change our society, but rather that it signals that society has already changed. It has conceded to women power over their own lives that had been previously withheld by the State.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/yes-campaign-s-outreach-to-middle-ground-delivered-the-landslide-1.3510338