Calls For Decriminalisation & Increased Supports Ahead Of 8th Amendment Bill

The call comes from Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson on Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD.
"We heard yesterday that the aim is to have the legislation passed in October and for the new healthcare services to be fully operational by January of next year," Deputy Donnelly said last night.
"We need to get the legislation right, and the regulation, and the medical care. And if that takes the next seven months, then so be it."
He insists that these are such measures that can be brought in a matter of weeks. He points out that travelling to the UK in the case of Fatal Foetal Abnormality can cost families thousands of euro. These costs, he insists, should be fully covered.
“Contraception could be made free. Additional funding for counselling services could be provided," he said.
He also says that the 1995 Act governing provision of information on abortion services could be repealed and the 2013 Act could be amended to decriminalise terminations.
“Yesterday I submitted a Bill that would give effect to both of these. However, the Minister has asked for two weeks for his officials to focus on the new legislation, and so I will not move the Bill at this time,” concluded Donnelly.

A massive Yes vote from Wicklow. Well done to all who walked the roads, climbed the ladders, staffed the stalls, and everything in between. #RepealedThe8th pic.twitter.com/h2Zw66Eats

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) May 26, 2018