26 April 2023
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) welcomes the publication today of the review of abortion services by barrister Marie O’Shea.
The review, promised as part of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, represents an important opportunity to introduce a human rights-based approach to abortion services.
Speaking today, Doireann Ansbro, Head of Legal and Policy, ICCL, said:
“While we will wait to read the review in full before commenting in detail, it seems from media reports and statements by the Minister for Health and other members of Government that there is much to welcome in it, including both legislative changes and operational recommendations.
“Our current system of abortion provision is not compliant with international human rights standards. Criminalisation of healthcare professionals and mandatory waiting periods, for example, are two measures which can prevent pregnant people from accessing healthcare and have no place in this legislation. It is welcome news that these are amongst the changes that have been recommended to Government by Marie O’Shea.
“We hope the review will be acted upon immediately and welcome the fact that the legislative changes proposed will be referred to the Oireachtas Health Committee for consideration.”
Ends
Available for comment: Doireann Ansbro, Head of Legal and Policy, ICCL
For media queries: ruth.mccourt@iccl.ie / 087 415 7162
Notes to Editors
ICCL is a member of the Abortion Working Group and will be participating in a press conference tomorrow morning (details below) responding in full to the review.
Abortion Working Group - Press Conference
What: The Abortion Working Group, the national network of 20+ civil society organisations and healthcare providers, chaired by the National Women’s Council, will respond to the publication of the Review.
When: Thursday April 27th, 10am
Where: Brooks Hotel, Drury Street, Dublin (the Liberties Suite)
Speakers:
- Orla O’Connor, Director, National Women’s Council and Chair, Abortion Working Group
- Alison Spillane, Irish Family Planning Association
- Dr Mary Favier, Doctors for Choice
- Patricia Acom, AkiDwA
- Doireann Ansbro, Irish Council for Civil Liberties
- Sinéad Kennedy, Action for Choice and author of the NWC research report Accessing Abortion in Ireland: Meeting the Needs of Every Woman