Miss "D" case: legislation needed

12 May 2007
Nicola Reddy

Choice Ireland commend the High Court verdict in favour of Miss D's right to travel for an abortion. Nevertheless we are appalled by the treatment Miss D has received at the hands of our state. It is simply unacceptable that yet another woman has been dragged through the courts in order to vindicate her rights and her choice. It is also unacceptable that Miss D will now be forced overseas in order to obtain her choice of an abortion.

The abortion issue must be resolved. Without legislation to clarify the ambiguous legal position with regard to abortion, women like Miss D (as Miss X and Miss C before her) will continue to be hauled through the courts. Meanwhile due to the State's failure to face the reality of crisis pregnancy 17 women a day have the anguish of their situation compounded by the financial and emotional burden of being forced overseas for an abortion. The current position represents a "head in the sand" approach to a reality faced by thousands of women in Ireland each year and is incompatible with any notion of respect for women.

Choice Ireland are calling for legislation to prevent any more "X", "C" or "D" cases, for the repeal of the 8 th Amendment and for free, safe and legal abortion to be made available in Ireland.

We are calling for:

- accurate information on all crisis pregnancy options

-legislation regulating information provided by crisis pregnancy centres

-immediate legislation for the "X" and "C" cases

-free access to multiple forms of contraception including the morning after pill

-free and legal abortion

-practical support for women seeking abortion

-an end to the stigma surrounding abortion, sexual health and contraceptive needs

-increased support for single and low-income parents

-increased protection for working mothers

-free access to quality childcare

-an end to the stigma surrounding single parenthood