Calls for relaxation of abortion rules under review

A review of Ireland’s abortion law, led by barrister Marie O’Shea and appointed by the government, is set to recommend law changes that will reduce the present-day rules. The review contains many recommendations, including the removal of the three-day wait before taking abortion medication. Those calling for changes to the legislation include People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith, Soc Dems leader Holly Cairns, and Labour leader Ivana Bacik. However, Aontú has stated that women should wait five days to access termination medication. The review is tasked with evaluating if the services mentioned on the current legislation are being delivered, and it will also offer suggestions for service enhancements. The document also studied conscientious objection, and it received initial responses from a Trinity College Dublin research team. A senior source said that an Oireachtas committee may need to be established to achieve cross-party agreement on changes to the laws. The Termination of Pregnancy Act established a review of legislation three years after its implementation.