Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
790. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the recent legislation in the UK which has effectively legalised abortion for the full nine months of pregnancy; whether her Department has monitored the passage of this legislation; her views on the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37321/25]
View answerIt would not be appropriate for me to comment on legislative changes in another jurisdiction.
As the Deputy is aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018. Expanded termination of pregnancy services have been available since 1 January 2019. The Act allows termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth; and without restriction up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Prior to the May 2018 Referendum on the 8th Amendment, the General Scheme of the Bill to regulate termination of pregnancy was published. The final legislation enacted is consistent with the published proposals.
