It is noticeable that, in the list of submissions on the Green Paper, groups with a progressive position were well outnumbered by 'anti-abortion' organisations.
The seven options are:
1] An absolute constitutional ban on abortion.
2] An amendment of the constitutional provisions so as to restrict the application of the X case.
3] The retention of the status quo.
4] The retention of the constitutional status quo with legislative restatement of the prohibition on abortion.
5] Legislation to regulate abortion in the circumstances defined by the X case
6] A reversion to the position as it pertained prior to 1983.
7] Permitting abortion on grounds beyond those specified in the X case.
The deadline for submissions is November 30th 1999, just two months away. After this date public hearings will be held.
All interested groups and individuals are encouraged to make submissions, however short, giving their opinions on the Green Paper.
Submssions should be sent to:
The All Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, Fourth Floor, Phoenix House 7-9 South Leinster Street Dublin 2 Fax 01 662 5581 E mail: info@apocc.irlgov.ie