Abortion bill expected to be declared unconstitutional

A private member’s bill to allow abortion in the case of fatal foetal abnormality is expected to be declared unconstitutional by Attorney General Máire Whelan.

Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday confirmed he is seeking Ms Whelan’s advice on the constitutionality of the bill introduced by Independents4Change TD Mick Wallace.

However, the Irish Examiner reports it is very likely to be declared unconstitutional as it is a “carbon copy” of a bill introduced by Clare Daly in 2013, which Ms Whelan said was unconstitutional.

Children’s Minister Dr Katherine Zappone is among TDs who said they would await guidance from the Attorney General before deciding how to vote on the proposed legislation.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to examining the issue of abortion in case of fatal foetal abnormality via a Citizens’ Assembly.