25/07/2014
UN Report Criticises Abortion Laws
A report by the UN has hit out at Ireland's "highly restrictive" abortion laws.
It also argued that the legislation should be changed.
The newly-published report, made recommendations on 19 areas of "concern", its human rights panel said. The UN report said that Ireland's abortion law should be amended in order "to provide for additional exceptions in cases of rape, incest, serious risks to the health of the mother, or fatal foetal abnormality."
Included in its recommendations, it called for a "prompt, independent and thorough investigation into all allegations of abuse" against women and children in state-funded homes; as well as an investigation into cases of symphysiotomy.
Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure where the pelvis is broken during childbirth to allow a baby to be born. It is thought around 1,500 women underwent the procedure between the 1920s and 1984.
According to reports, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has called for a full parliamentary debate on the report. Its director, Mark Kelly, explained that the recommendations have been caused by the "ongoing failure in our law, policy and practice to respect the human rights, autonomy and bodily integrity of women".
Previously, the Irish Government has said a referendum is needed in order to change abortion laws.
(JP/CD)
It also argued that the legislation should be changed.
The newly-published report, made recommendations on 19 areas of "concern", its human rights panel said. The UN report said that Ireland's abortion law should be amended in order "to provide for additional exceptions in cases of rape, incest, serious risks to the health of the mother, or fatal foetal abnormality."
Included in its recommendations, it called for a "prompt, independent and thorough investigation into all allegations of abuse" against women and children in state-funded homes; as well as an investigation into cases of symphysiotomy.
Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure where the pelvis is broken during childbirth to allow a baby to be born. It is thought around 1,500 women underwent the procedure between the 1920s and 1984.
According to reports, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has called for a full parliamentary debate on the report. Its director, Mark Kelly, explained that the recommendations have been caused by the "ongoing failure in our law, policy and practice to respect the human rights, autonomy and bodily integrity of women".
Previously, the Irish Government has said a referendum is needed in order to change abortion laws.
(JP/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 December 2009
Legal Challenge Targets Irish Abortion Law
Three Irish women are beginning a landmark legal challenge against Ireland's abortion laws at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg today. The case, which could lead to a liberalisation of the State's abortion laws, is being heard by the court's grand chamber of 17 judges.
Legal Challenge Targets Irish Abortion Law
Three Irish women are beginning a landmark legal challenge against Ireland's abortion laws at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg today. The case, which could lead to a liberalisation of the State's abortion laws, is being heard by the court's grand chamber of 17 judges.
11 December 2019
E-Scooters Report Must Be Published - FG
The Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, has been urged to publish the results of a public consultation on e-scooters. Making the call, Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, said: "It's two years since I first raised this with the Minister in the Dáil. At the time, he said no new laws were needed initially.
E-Scooters Report Must Be Published - FG
The Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, has been urged to publish the results of a public consultation on e-scooters. Making the call, Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, said: "It's two years since I first raised this with the Minister in the Dáil. At the time, he said no new laws were needed initially.
22 October 2019
NI's Abortion And Same-Sex Marriage Laws Changed
New abortion and same-sex marriage legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland as of midnight last night. It follows a Bill that was introduced in Westminster in July, which compelled the British government to change NI's restrictive laws unless the north's power-sharing executive was restored by the end of Monday, 21 October.
NI's Abortion And Same-Sex Marriage Laws Changed
New abortion and same-sex marriage legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland as of midnight last night. It follows a Bill that was introduced in Westminster in July, which compelled the British government to change NI's restrictive laws unless the north's power-sharing executive was restored by the end of Monday, 21 October.
16 December 2010
Abortion Laws Violate Irish Rights: Court
The European Court of Human Rights has found the Irish Republic is in violation of the rights of a woman with cancer who travelled to the UK for an abortion. Today's ruling in Strasbourg could require a change to Irish law.
Abortion Laws Violate Irish Rights: Court
The European Court of Human Rights has found the Irish Republic is in violation of the rights of a woman with cancer who travelled to the UK for an abortion. Today's ruling in Strasbourg could require a change to Irish law.
14 February 2020
Sixth Report Of Mother And Baby Home Investigation Published
The Sixth Interim Report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has been received by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. It is understood that it is a short report but raises complex issues related to the completion of the Commission's programme of work.
Sixth Report Of Mother And Baby Home Investigation Published
The Sixth Interim Report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has been received by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. It is understood that it is a short report but raises complex issues related to the completion of the Commission's programme of work.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.