Ireland – Government not ‘legally able’ to introduce abortion Bill, Harris says

Government not ‘legally able’ to introduce abortion Bill, Harris says
Attorney General says law cannot be considered by Oireachtas until challenges dealt with

June 14, 2018
Sarah Bardon Political Reporter

The Government may not be able to introduce legislation to regulate the termination of pregnancy until the autumn, Minister for Health Simon Harris has said.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Harris said he had received clear legal advice from Attorney General Séamus Woulfe stating that the law to implement the result on the referendum on the Eighth Amendment cannot be considered by the Oireachtas until all court challenges to the outcome have concluded.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/government-not-legally-able-to-introduce-abortion-bill-harris-says-1.3530823


Ireland – State may cover travel costs in fatal foetal abnormality cases

State may cover travel costs in fatal foetal abnormality cases
Minister told support group he was committed to finding an interim solution pending new law

June 1, 2018
Sarah Bardon Political Reporter

The State may cover the cost for couples who choose to travel to the United Kingdom for a termination when they receive a diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality.

Minister for Health Simon Harris met with members of the group Terminations for Medical Reasons on Friday to discuss how such a system could be operated.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/state-may-cover-travel-costs-in-fatal-foetal-abnormality-cases-1.3516719


Ireland – Government may cover cost of terminations

Government may cover cost of terminations
Maternity scheme may be expanded to help women who need an abortion

May 31, 2018
Sarah Bardon Political Reporter

The Government is considering covering the cost of care for women seeking a termination of their pregnancy.

Minister for Health Simon Harris is assessing if services provided under the Maternity and Infant Scheme can be expanded to women who may require an abortion.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/government-may-cover-cost-of-terminations-1.3514234


How the Yes and No sides won and lost the abortion referendum

How the Yes and No sides won and lost the abortion referendum

Harry McGee: Smiling Savita portraits proclaiming a new reality for Ireland
May 26, 2018

Harry McGee Political Correspondent

In the last few days of the referendum campaign on the Eight Amendment dozens of small posters appeared around Dublin.

The image was of Savita Halappanavar, instantly recognisable from her thick dark hair, wide smile, smiling eyes, and the Bindi dot on the forehead. The message contained one word: Yes. They were striking in their simplicity and directness.

The Savita case (read Kitty Holland’s report from 2012 here) was never too far away from people’s minds during the eight weeks that this extraordinary referendum campaign seeped into Irish public consciousness on doorsteps, in the streets, in the media, or on the airwaves… right up to polling day.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/how-the-yes-and-no-sides-won-and-lost-the-abortion-referendum-1.3509924


Ireland – Government to seek limits on future abortion reform

Government to seek limits on future abortion reform
Coalition promises extra safeguards following dismissal of Simon Coveney proposal

Wed, Mar 28, 2018
Sarah Bardon

The Government has insisted it will introduce additional safeguards “above and beyond” the normal legislative process to minimise the possibility of future changes to abortion laws.

The exact nature of the safeguards have yet to be decided but may require the establishment of an Oireachtas committee or a citizens’ assembly.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/government-to-seek-limits-on-future-abortion-reform-1.3442536