MEMBERS OF the Oireachtas will be invited to discuss issues related to abortion at an event organised by the National Women’s Council of Ireland in Leinster House this afternoon.
A spokeswoman for the council said the politicians would be able to meet women who travelled abroad for abortions after their foetuses developed fatal abnormalities.
She said the group of women, who were interviewed in yesterday’s Irish Times, would be available to meet interested members of the Oireachtas “and tell them what happened”.
Representatives of the Irish Family Planning Association will also be in attendance to supply relevant information.
The audiovisual room of Leinster House has been set aside for the event for two hours from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. This will be followed by a rally outside the Kildare Street gates at 6.30pm.
It has been organised by Action on X, an alliance of groups and individuals who are calling on the Government to “act immediately to implement appropriate legislation on the right to abortion in Ireland”.
An hour later, at 7.30pm, Socialist Party TD Clare Daly will introduce a Private Members’ Bill that is entitled Medical Treatment (Termination of Pregnancy in Case of Risk to Life of Pregnant Woman).
The Bill provides for termination of pregnancy where a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman exists and it makes provision for the prevention of any curtailment, hindrance or preclusion of such treatment that may arise as a result of the pregnancy of the woman.
An official spokesman said the Government’s stance on the Bill would be outlined by Minister for Health Dr James Reilly in the course of the debate which is scheduled for tonight and mid-morning tomorrow.
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