Government confirms intention to propose new constitutional clause on abortion

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed the Government plans to propose a new clause in the Constitution allowing the Oireachtas to “provide for the termination of pregnancies in accordance with law”.

Mr Varadkar said the new clause was being proposed on the advice of the Attorney General.

Cabinet has given approval to the Health Minister to prepare a Referendum Bill to amend the Constitution. It will be the 36th amendment to the Constitution of Ireland.

The amendment would delete article 40.3.3 in its entirety and “remove the effective constitutional ban on abortion”, repealing the Eighth Amendment and the 13th and 14th amendments linked to it.

The decision to propose new text for the Constitution as well as repealing the Eighth Amendment has questioned by some politicians.

Ailbhe Smyth, convenor of the Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment, said: “It is our view that given the historically complicated nature of debate on the issue in Ireland, the Government has an obligation to explain the reasons for inserting a new ‘enabling clause’ in the Constitution in the clearest possible terms.”

However, Ms Smyth added: “Tonight’s announcement is a real step forward to repealing the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution. We look forward to seeing the full details of what is proposed by the Cabinet and to giving it our full consideration. We urge the Government to lose no time in setting a firm date for the holding of the referendum.”