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17/12/2014
Abortion Law 'Too Restrictive' - Leo Varadkar
Ireland's abortion laws have been described as "too restrictive" by Health Minister Leo Varadkar.
Mr Varadkar was speaking in the Dáil in relation to a private members' bill tabled by Independent TD Clare Daly calling for the removal the eight amendment from current abortion legislation.
Minister Varadkar said that as health minister and a medical doctor it is his "considered view that the eight amendment is too restrictive".
He added that: "while it protects the right to life of the mother, it has no regard for her long-term health. If a stroke, heart attack, epileptic seizure happens, perhaps resulting in permanent disability as a result, then that is acceptable under our laws. I don’t think that's right."
The minister went on to describe himself as "pro-life", he said that "Ministers for Health do not just represent their own private views, they are guardians of the nation’s healthcare, and must work to protect and safeguard all of its citizens."
Addressing the Dáil Minister Varadkar expressed his support for a change in legislation, but added that government "has no mandate to change the current law".
(MH/CD)
Mr Varadkar was speaking in the Dáil in relation to a private members' bill tabled by Independent TD Clare Daly calling for the removal the eight amendment from current abortion legislation.
Minister Varadkar said that as health minister and a medical doctor it is his "considered view that the eight amendment is too restrictive".
He added that: "while it protects the right to life of the mother, it has no regard for her long-term health. If a stroke, heart attack, epileptic seizure happens, perhaps resulting in permanent disability as a result, then that is acceptable under our laws. I don’t think that's right."
The minister went on to describe himself as "pro-life", he said that "Ministers for Health do not just represent their own private views, they are guardians of the nation’s healthcare, and must work to protect and safeguard all of its citizens."
Addressing the Dáil Minister Varadkar expressed his support for a change in legislation, but added that government "has no mandate to change the current law".
(MH/CD)
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