Independent MEP Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon has said she will be voting "No" in the abortion referendum despite being a consistent advocate of a poll on the matter.
She says the Government’s proposed amendment does not "vindicate the value of life from conception.
"Throughout the past years I have joined in the many calls for a new referendum . . . to restore adequate protection for the unborn.
"However, it is my belief that the current referendum not only does not afford protection for the unborn between the times of conception and implantation, it in fact removes the current protection of the pre-implanted unborn," Ms Scallan said.
She attacked a clause in the referendum tjat gives doctors discretion to decide when a pregnant woman's life is in danger. "This could be open to wide interpretation, particularly if medical guidelines and ethics were to change in Ireland, as we are advised they may," she said.
She said the debate should not be polarised, with those voting "Yes" being labelled pro-life and those choosing "No" being seen as pro-abortion.
"As a matter of conscience and of my own integrity, my position must remain the same as it has always been - that I uphold the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death".
Despite her opposition to the referendum it is understood that Ms Scallon will not be actively campaigning for a "No" vote.
PA
