By Katie Ascough - 27 March, 2020
Yesterday a number of Solidarity/People Before Profit and Rise TDs proposed the suspension of the existing three-day waiting period before an abortion can be obtained. This is in addition to the proposals to permit abortion consultations and prescriptions online.
Responding to the proposals which form part of a number of submissions made by TDs to the Emergency Measures legislation currently being debated in Dáil Éireann, Eílís Mulroy, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign said: “TDs should be encouraged to work on what unites them rather than allowing such extreme suggestions to become a divisive focal point within parliament.”
Ms Mulroy cited the “concerted and unified public response to the current crisis” we have seen and the “good faith proposals” politicians have been putting forward to try to tackle the crisis of COVID-19. “That is the kind of responsible and civic minded attitude we wish to see continue at the legislative level,” Ms Mulroy said.
She said that it is entirely regrettable, therefore, that “some TDs are seeking to approach the emergency legislation as an ideological platform through which they can advance an agenda”. Ms Mulroy states that both the Dáil and Seanad “should not be subjected to lengthy and protracted debates at this time”.
“We do need careful scrutiny of the legislation. What we do not need, however, is a rush to insert provisions that in both the immediate and long term will cause irreparable damage to human life and human health.
“We urge supporters to contact their TDs immediately to ensure that these proposals are wholly rejected during the debates,” concluded Ms Mulroy.
TDs’ contact details can be found on the Oireachtas website here.
