Woman named in UN report on abortion to be awarded compensation

A woman who travelled to England for an abortion will receive €30,000 in compensation from the Government after the UN Human Rights Committee said her rights had been violated.

Health Minister Simon Harris met with Amanda Mellet and her husband on Tuesday.

Ms Mellet was named in a UN report that called on Ireland to amend its abortion laws to ensure that health care providers are in a position to supply full information on safe abortion services, and to provide Ms Mellet with adequate compensation and psychological treatment.

Mr Harris said: “With regard to measures directly relating to Ms Mellet in acknowledgement of the Committee’s views, the State has offered Ms Mellet an ex gratia sum of €30,000.

“I will also direct the Health Service Executive to ensure that Ms Mellet will have timely access to all appropriate psychological services provided by the Health Service Executive.

“Ms Mellet and her husband were gracious in their response.”