Reasons for No vote outlined

The abortion referendum campaign began in Galway last night with the Alliance for a No vote outlining its opposition to the amendment…

The abortion referendum campaign began in Galway last night with the Alliance for a No vote outlining its opposition to the amendment.

Supporters of the alliance, who hosted a public meeting in an Eyre Square hotel, said that if the referendum was passed, it would mean women who were suicidal as a result of a crisis pregnancy would not be allowed to have an abortion in Ireland.

However, Galway for Life, which is supporting a Yes vote, said that the 25th Amendment to the Constitution would ban abortions from taking place in Irish hospitals.

A vote in favour of the amendment would also ensure that "best medical practice currently available for women during pregnancy would be legally protected", the Galway for Life group stated.

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"In 1992, the Supreme Court allowed for abortions to take place in Irish hospitals in wide circumstances," it continued.

"The reason doctors have not carried out abortions here is because under the Medical Council's ethical guidelines, abortion is considered professional misconduct and would result in the doctor being struck off."

Galway For Life says it supports the amendment because it will reverse the Supreme Court decision.

"The Amendment draws a clear distinction between deliberate abortion and ethical interventions during pregnancy which can cause the loss of unborn life but are necessary to save the life of the mother.

"The proposal demands that the doctor, while trying to preserve the life of the mother, also has regard to the need to preserve unborn human life. We believe this amendment will protect both the right to life of the unborn child and the right of women during pregnancy to receive the best medical treatment available," the group says.

"In voting Yes, the Irish people would prevent abortions taking place in Irish hospitals," the group said. A full report on the Alliance for a No vote meeting in Galway will appear in tomorrow's editions.

The Irish Family Planning Association yesterday disputed the claim of the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, that the health boards would pay for an abortion if another C case arose.

A spokesperson for the IFPA said that if a girl or woman in State care or in one of the care institutions became pregnant and wanted an abortion, they would have to go to court.

The C case was allowed on the grounds that there could be a risk of suicide. However, the spokesperson said that if the referendum was passed, the suicide ground would be completely removed.

The spokesperson said the Minister's claim was not possible as the court case was based on the suicide ground.