Wednesday, 13th December 2017
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) has welcomed the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment to reform Ireland’s abortion laws.
Commenting on the Committee’s support for a simple repeal of the Eighth Amendment, Dr Caitriona Henchion, Medical Director of the Irish Family Planning Association, said: “Members of the Committee who listened to and considered the medical evidence understand why the Eighth Amendment must go. Women have an urgent need for safe and legal abortion care in Ireland.
Dr Henchion continued: “Doctors and all medical professionals must be allowed to care for our patients according to our best medical judgement. The constitution is not a place to dictate medical practice. That’s why it’s essential to repeal and not replace the Eighth Amendment with another constitutional amendment.”
IFPA Chief Executive Niall Behan said: “Implementing the Oireachtas Committee’s recommendations will mean women can make their own decisions about abortion in consultation with their healthcare providers. This is in line with best international medical practice.
Mr Behan added: “The Citizens’ Assembly and now the Joint Oireachtas Committee have established a strong imperative for change. Now members of the Oireachtas must honour their work by taking their recommendations forward and allow Irish voters to have their say.”