Irish politicians have overwhelmingly approved an abortion bill described by Cardinal Sean Brady as a legislative and political Trojan horse “which heralds a much more liberal and aggressive abortion regime in Ireland”.
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill — the first legislation allowing abortion in the Republic of Ireland — passed its second stage by 138 votes to 24.
Abortion is currently illegal in Ireland but the bill would allow abortions to take place where there is deemed to be a risk to the life of the mother, including if there is a threat of suicide.
Four politicians who defied their leader, Prime Minister Enda Kenny, by voting against the bill have been expelled from the governing Fine Gael Party and told to vacate their offices.
A Sinn Fein politician also defied his party, and a Sinn Fein spokesman said this was regarded as a serious breach of party rules and he would face unspecified disciplinary action.
The Sinn Fein politician, Peadaar Toibin said: “It is with great sadness that I have had to separate from my party on this, but I cannot vote for a medical evidence-free bill that will result in the death and disablement of children.”
Just hours before the vote, Cardinal Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, appealed to Fine Gael politicians to rebel against Mr Kenny.
“In practice, the right to life of the unborn child will no longer be treated as equal. The wording of this bill is so vague that ever wider access to abortion can be easily facilitated,” said Cardinal Brady.
In an earlier statement, the cardinal said: “This bill will provide the widest possible legal justification for deliberately and intentionally destroying the life of the unborn child, with no time limits and no mechanism for ensuring that the right to life of the unborn is adequately vindicated as required by Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution. In practice, the right to life of the unborn child will no longer be treated as equal.”
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Image: BBC
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