Harris introduces Bill to amend law following repeal of Eighth vote
ANEW Bill to amend the law that follows the repeal of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution in regard to abortion was introduced in the Dáil by Health Minister Simon Harris. ‘After 35 years of having the amendment in the Constitution, in so doing we are also making history, but, of course, history is not made only in this House,’ he said.
‘This history was made on the streets, in houses and ballot boxes across the country. It was made by people, including colleagues here, who had campaigned steadfastly for many years.’
It was made, he said, by young people who had never had a say on an issue about which they cared deeply, who were galvanised by a movement of equality and everybody who had thought deeply and felt strongly on this subject, in their different ways, and who came out on 25 May to make their decision known in the ballot box, resulting in an emphatic majority to repeal the oppressive, repressive Eighth Amendment and for legislators to get on with their jobs and legislate.
The legislation permits a termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life or serious harm to the health of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus, either before or within 28 days of birth and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Fianna Fáil Spokesman Stephen Donnelly said having examined the Bill, he believed it reflected the heads of the Bill and, as such, it reflects the will of the people and should be supported by the people’s Parliament. ‘I am sure there will be plenty of time on Committee Stage to tease out the details to make sure the legislation is robust, clear and workable,’ he added.