The Bishop of Killaloe has expressed concern that TDs will pursue even more liberal abortion laws in the future, in the event that the Eighth Amendment is repealed.
The warning comes in part of Bishop Fintan Monahan’s Pastoral letter which is being issued to the Diocese this weekend.
He also claims the planned abortion laws here amount to one of the most liberal regimes in the world, a claim rejected by Clare Together For Yes.
Just over three weeks out from polling day, both the Yes and No sides of the abortion debate are upping the ante in their respective campaigns.
As part of that, the Bishop of Killaloe is circulating a pastoral letter petitioning people to vote no.
Bishop Fintan Monahan calls the issue one with “profound moral and religious implications” and one that will “shape society for generations to come”.
The Bishop believes the status quo must be retained for the equality of both mother and child and that if it changes, Ireland would have one of the most liberal abortion regimes in the world.
However, Clare Together For Yes has dismissed the Bishop’s suggestion that Ireland’s abortion laws, if the Eighth is repealed, would be more liberal than our counterparts elsewhere.
The proposed laws allow for access to terminations up until 12 weeks, when this is certified by a medical practitioner, and there is to be a 72-hour pause in which women could access information and counselling.
Clare Together For Yes Spokesperson Éilis Murphy has rejected those claims.
