Tánaiste Simon Coveney has given his support to proposals allowing abortion up to 12 weeks.
Simon Coveney had been opposed to the idea and was seen as the main pro-life voice at the Cabinet table. His shift in position could have a major impact on the abortion referendum campaign.
Minister Coveney had previously expressed his discomfort with the Government proposals for abortion without restriction for up to 12 weeks, and was expected to campaign against them.
However, writing exclusively in the Irish Independent this morning, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that he has now changed his mind.
Minister Coveney says he still has concerns that people who are raising legitimate questions about the unborn are being dismissed as dinosaurs or anti-women.
The Health Minister and senior clinicians have reassured the Tánaiste on a number of issues he felt strongly about.
Simon Coveney says he also feels satisfied that the 12 weeks limit would not allow for the testing for disabilities.
In his piece this morning, the Tánaiste says he supports allowing abortion pills up to 12 weeks gestation, or 10 weeks of pregnancy.
“In recent weeks the Health Minister and senior clinicians have worked with me on the safeguards and structures to the proposed law that I hope will enable those unsure to vote ‘Yes’,” he wrote.
“The legislation Minister Harris will bring to Cabinet tomorrow will not give unrestricted access to abortion at any point in pregnancy.”
He concludes: “Life and the creation of life is a precious thing. So balancing Ireland’s responsibilities to women and children is complex.
“However, I believe if people vote ‘Yes’ in this Referendum and allow the Government to legislate we will get that balance right and protect women in the appropriate way.”
It is expected that there will be attempts to change the legislation from 12 weeks to 10 weeks if the 8th amendment is repealed and it comes before the Oireachtas.
The Minister also said that the reality of abortion pills needs to be addressed – however pro-life campaigner Katie Ascough says that this issue has been exaggerated in the abortion debate.
“Illegal abortion pills are a phenomenon that happens in almost every country, not just in Ireland, it happens in the UK,” she said.
She added: So it’s not just specific to Ireland, so it’s not the case so we say: ‘OK, pills are happening here anyway, let’s just legalise abortion’ – it’s actually an issue which happens in other countries as well.”