Marie O'Shea BL

Section 7 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 provides for a review of the legislation no later than three years from commencement.

The first phase of the review, in which information and evidence on the effectiveness and operation of the Act will be collected from women who use the service, health professionals that provide the service and the public, began last year.

The second phase of the review will be led by the independent chair who will assess the extent to which the objectives of the Act have been achieved, analysing in that regard the findings of the three strands of information, on the effectiveness and operation of the Act.

Health minister Stephen Donnelly said: “I am pleased to announce that Marie O’Shea will carry out this review. Her significant legal expertise, coupled with her experience in project management and in healthcare sector research, I am confident that she will conduct this important work thoroughly and efficiently.”

A public consultation on the operation of the Act began in December and will continue until 1 April 2022.

Mr Donnelly added: “I am pleased that we are progressing this important review of an Act that was passed following the result of an historic referendum. When the chair has completed her work in 2022, a final report will be submitted to me with any necessary recommendations. I look forward to hearing people’s views and to the outcome of this review process.”