Sir,
The revelation by Dr McKenna that abortions are being carried out in Irish hospitals in cases where the lives of women are threatened by continuing a pregnancy must now be addressed by the All Party Committee on Abortion. I am glad that the pretence there is no abortion in Ireland is at an end.
The suggestion that another constitutional referendum should be held to impose an 'absolute ban' on abortion isnow untenable. It is clear that the imposition of such a ban would have very dangerous implications for the medical treatment of pregnant women as it would outlaw life saving emergency procedures.
In such cases an abortion could be refused, leading to the death of the woman. There have already been cases where treatment for cancer has been withheld because of the possibility of damage to the foetus.
For decades various 'pro-life' groups have argued that there are no cases in which abortion is necessary to save a woman's life. It is nowclear that this is not true. Philosophical arguments about 'direct' and 'indirect' abortion, political loopholes and constitutional wordings are totally irrelevant to the lives and health of Irish woman. It is time for the government to introduce legislation to permit terminations in cases of danger to the lives of Irish women and to provide legal protection for doctors who carry out such operations.
Political cowardice and blackmail from Independent TDs must not overule the right to life of women.
Yours Sincerely,
Pat Corcoran