Expert Abortion Group Established

A Fine Gael TD has welcomed the establishment of an expert group to look at the issues raised by a European Court ruling on abortion.

The group has been set up by the Government, and is due to report back within six months on the issue.

Mr Justice Seán Ryan of the High Court is to chair the group which will look at issues raised by a recent European Court ruling on abortion which ruled Ireland had failed to implement existing rights to a lawful abortion where a mother’s life is at risk.

“This is an issue that goes right to the very heart of the Irish psyche," said Regina Doherty of Fine Gael. "It is a complex area, both morally and legally, and must be treated with respect and sensitivity. We cannot ignore the European Court ruling, and I am glad that the group has now been set up to look at the issue in a comprehensive manner."

Ms Doherty said the expert group, established by the Minister for Health, James Reilly, consisted of a range of health and legal professionals who will make recommendations to the Government on how this issue should be handled.

“The Government is also committed to legislate to regulate stem cell research and to clarify the law surrounding assisted human reproduction (AHR). The Department of Health is currently developing policy proposals to regulate these areas. The work involved in developing these proposals will examine and consider – among other things – the issues arising from the frozen embryos Supreme Court judgment," she added.

(DW)