Speaking during tonight’s Dáil debate, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal North East Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn called for the introduction of legislation for the X case to allow for abortion in cases where there is a risk to the life of a pregnant woman.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “I should not be making this speech tonight. The thousands of people who took to the streets in the freezing cold on Saturday to demand this Government introduce legislation for X should not have had to be there.
“The people have spoken and it is time for this government to introduce legislation for the X Case. The Government amendment to our motion simply notes that the Expert Group is examining the matter, and it will propose a range of options as to how the Government should respond to the “complex and sensitive issues.”
“Convening the Expert Group was a cop out on the government’s behalf. They have known since 1992 that legislation is needed when the Supreme Court judgment in X was handed down. This was reiterated by the European Court of Human Rights in 2010 when they delivered their judgment in the ABC v Ireland case.
“It is a scandal that for twenty years, seven governments have failed in their duties towards women on this issue. I was a teenager when the X case took place. Never did I think that I would be standing here, at nearly 40 years of age as an elected member of the Dáil seeking legislation on that very issue.
“Women should know that if there life is in danger they will be saved – and doctors should know that if a woman’s life is in danger, they can treat them appropriately. It is time now, finally, for legislation to protect the rights of women as decided by the Supreme Court in 1992. This should be done in a reasoned, tolerant and considered manner and with maximum cross party consensus.”
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