Human rights body to monitor abortion ‘barriers’
THE State’s human rights body has expressed concerns about reports some women have had difficulty accessing abortions.
Some GPs last month reported difficulty accessing abortion care for patients because of delays in establishing services at hospitals, and Health Minister Simon Harris warned it would take time for the services to “fully embed”.
Emily Logan, chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), said it was concerned about any remaining barriers women may face since terminations became available at the beginning of January.
“We have heard how operating within such a new legal framework is challenging for practitioners and policymakers, but we must be vigilant that the rights of patients, now on the statute books, are being vindicated,” said Ms Logan.
“As a commission, we have a mandate to keep policy and legislation under review.
“We will be monitoring the implementation of the new legislation, particularly in relation to reports of the barriers to access to legal terminations.
“I want to state clearly that the commission will act, in whatever capacity is available to it, to support women and girls to vindicate their rights.”
Ms Logan’s comments came as IHREC launched its strategy statement for the next three years. Other priorities identified include promoting socio-economic rights, such as housing, health and decent work.
In relation to housing, Ms Logan said IHREC was particularly concerned about discrimination against lone parents, people with a disability, and members of the Traveller community.
“Discrimination against those dependent on the housing assistance payment continues to be a real problem, despite it being illegal,” she said.
Ms Logan said access to healthcare was “a key area of concern”.
“Here in Ireland, it is a right which is not equally enjoyed. Too often, money or location determines how quickly people can access the healthcare they need,” she said.
The payment of fair wages was also highlighted as a priority.