Abortion in Ireland - A second look at Miss D
A young girl, pregnant and faced with the realisation that her baby is severely disabled and will not live for more than a handful of days. The case of an Irish teenager in this difficult situation reignited the ever-smouldering debate about abortion legislation in Northern Ireland.
The baby of then-16 year old ‘Miss D’, as she was known as in court, was diagnosed with anencephaly, a condition where a large part of the brain and skull were missing. Babies with this condition do not usually live more than a few days after birth. After taking the decision to the high court, Miss D was granted the right to travel.
Two views on the issue:
Niav Keating, Choice Ireland, Republic of Ireland
Dr Thaddeus Irvine, Psychologist, Northern Ireland
Abortion legislation in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is extremely restrictive. Abortion is illegal, and women are allowed to travel abroad for the procedure only if their lives are at risk.
Legislation in Northern Ireland
Abortion in Northern Ireland is governed by the Offences Against the Person act of 1861. This made abortion illegal under all circumstances. It is only allowed if the mother’s life is in grave danger or if she is suicidal. The 1967 Abortion Act was never extended to Northern Ireland.
Legislation in the Republic of Ireland
Although the Republic is now independent, its abortion legislation essentially still is the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
A 1983 referendum was held over whether to add a constitutional amendment giving an unborn child the same right to life as its mother. The referendum passed, and abortion remains illegal. It is only permissible if the mother’s life is in danger or if she is suicidal.
As with Northern Ireland, many women travel to Britain and other countries to obtain abortions.