Abortion legislation: Party positions
Leader Eamon Ryan says abortions should be decided between a doctor and women and not specified for in legislation.
Favours a referendum, but parliamentary members will have a free vote. No position on the circumstances where terminations are supported. Party sources disagree with the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations that abortions may be allowed for socio-economic reasons.
Position is not decided. Dáil and Seanad members will get a free vote. It supports the need for a referendum. No whip will be applied in a vote at committee or Dáil level. Some TDs openly support a range of circumstances, while others don’t.
Favours removing the Eighth. The party says the assembly recommendations show there is a mandate for legal reform to allow for abortion on a range of grounds.
No specific position taken by each of the five TDs and a spokeswoman said there were differing views. The spokeswoman said the members had yet to meet to discuss the assembly’s recommendations.
Supports repealing the Eighth. Agrees with assembly recommendations, and that abortion is provided before 12 weeks and for a range of circumstances.
Differing views. TD Mattie McGrath yesterday said he did not support abortions in any circumstances.
Pro-choice, saying it is a woman’s decision. Abortions as early as possible and as late as necessary, but no specified circumstances.
Supports repealing the Eighth and allowing for terminations in cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormalities.
Favours a referendum. Terminations should be allowed for rape, incest, and fatal foetal abnormalities. TDs should decide their own positions.
