‘Quantum leap’ over abortion law in Ireland

The proposed changes to Ireland’s abortion laws mark a “quantum leap” from being one of the most restrictive regimes in the world when it comes to the termination of pregnancy, health minister Simon Harris has said.

Mr Harris told the Dail that the Irish government is proposing to permit terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy without specific indication.

He is also proposing to introduce a time period which would be required to elapse between the assessment by a medical practitioner and an abortion being carried out.

A referendum on the country’s laws is expected to take place at the end of May.

The minister made the comments after the bill to hold a referendum on abortion was introduced in the Dail. It follows a decision by government ministers at Cabinet on Thursday to formally approve the wording of the draft legislation.

Currently, terminations are only allowed when the life of the mother is at risk.