The arrival in Dublin of a Dutch medical ship with facilities for carrying out onboard abortions has been postponed due to bad weather.
The
Aurora
- also called the
Sea of Change
- set sail from a Dutch port on Monday but may not arrive until tomorrow.
When it arrives, it will sail into controversy with pro-life activists planning protests against its plans to offer contraceptives, family planning information and "safe, legal abortions" outside Irish territorial waters "where medically appropriate".
The Aurorais due to dock at Sir John Rogerson's Quay and it is reported the crew may be issued with bullet-proof vests to protect them against possible militant anti-abortion activity.
Although the 100-foot former fishing trawler has an operating theatre, the Women on Waves group has said it does not plan to conduct surgical operations and instead may administer the abortion pill RU486 when more than 12 miles off the coast.
It is later due to visit Cork and otherports.
The group today welcomed the decision of the Irish Medical Council to review its position on abortion.
"This is a step in the right direction," Ms Cathleen O'Neill, a spokeswoman for the Irish branch of the group said.
"What we want is an end to politicians avoiding the issue. The Government should legislate to provide legal abortion in Ireland as soon as possible."
The Minister for Health, MrMartin, last night condemned the ship as a "publicity stunt" and said it would be bound by Irish law while in Irish waters.
Human Life International (Ireland) yesterday said it was launching a rival "life" boat. Director Mr Patrick McCrystal said: "We have commissioned a lifeboat to sail and offer a life alternative to women instead of death.
"We are offering practical pregnancy counselling on our boat, priestly spiritual assistance onboard and guaranteed practical help and support during and after a woman's pregnancy."
Bishop Michael Cox, head of the Latin Tridentine Church in Ireland, said he plans to sail his own boat, the Little Bishop, into the path of the Auroraas it approaches Cork harbour. He has called for "an Armada of ships" to support him.