# Abortion legislation
This year
2023
Five years on: First review of Ireland's abortion laws recommends significant changes
The review recommends 10 changes to current legislation and 60 operational changes in relation to termination services and laws.
The review recommends that the required three-day waiting period to access a termination should no longer be mandatory and should instead be at the woman's own discretion.
It also found that there is an "uneven geographic coverage" of service providers across the country, which requires some women to travel for longer periods at significant cost.
Cabinet has agreed to refer the recommendations to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health for consideration.
'Enormous burden': Labour call for removal of wait period for abortion care
Labour Senator Annie Hoey said women are “more than able” to make their own decisions around abortion.
Last year
2022
UN rights watchdog warns Ireland over abortion wait period and women travelling abroad for care
The Committee has called for the Government to remove barriers for women seeking access to abortion services.
All time
DUP motion on abortion passed by Northern Ireland Assembly
The motion doesn’t impact or change Northern Ireland’s abortion legislation.
'The law is the law': Rotunda maternity hospital told to offer abortions up to 12 weeks, not 11
Last month, it was reported that the Rotunda would not provide abortions for women at more than 11 weeks’ gestation.
11 emotional tweets about this week's historic repealing of the Eighth Amendment
“It’s a moment brought about by a movement in the streets, civil disobedience, and young people and women in particularly fighting for change. Let’s keep it up!”
'It's very disappointing': Garda probe launched as TD's office covered in urine and anti-abortion graffiti
The incident happened after abortion legislation passed in the Seanad last night.
Safe zone law around GP clinics offering abortions will prohibit photos being taken of women
Graphic posters were unfurled outside the Rotunda Hospital this summer were described by the minister as “despicable”.
Abortion legislation to be reviewed in three years time, instead of five
The proposed legislation allows for the operation of the Act to be reviewed after its commencement next year.
Tóibín says he only learned he had lost Culture Committee chairmanship when he read it online
Last week, Tóibín was suspended from the party for six months.
TDs want women seeking abortions to be offered ultrasound imaging and heartbeat recording
A number of TDs have put down amendments ahead of the three-day discussion of the proposed abortion legislation next week.
Nine TDs want law to ensure aborted foetuses are buried or cremated
A number of TDs have put down amendments ahead of the three-day discussion of the proposed abortion legislation next week.
'Disciplinary proceedings' to be initiated against Tóibín for breaking ranks on abortion legislation
The Termination of Pregnancy Bill passed by 102 votes to 12.
Calls to remove all maternity costs for women as abortion legislation introduced in Dáil
Simon Harris told the Dáil that in legislating for abortion services in Ireland, they are ‘making history’.
New abortion guidelines spark condemnation on all sides
TD Mattie McGrath called them “a butcher’s charter”, but fellow TD Ruth Coppinger said women seeking an abortion shouldn’t have to “run a gauntlet” of doctors and bureaucrats.
Some welcome President passing abortion bill, others not so much
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore described it as a “key milestone”, while the Pro Life Campaign said it was a “very sad day”.
Here’s What Happened Today: Wednesday
Everyone’s talking about the lucky escape for tall ship passengers in Kinsale, Labour’s troubles and the royal baby’s name.
How does Irish abortion law compare to rest of EU?
Abortion is only completely banned in Malta of all the 28 states.
Fianna Fáil senator: 'I oppose this legislation because it is anti-women'
Jim Walsh was among those to contribute to the continuing debate on the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill this afternoon.
'With a heavy heart': Fine Gael senator confirms she won't support abortion bill
Fidelma Healy-Eames has confirmed her opposition to the legislation in the Seanad this morning but one Fianna Fáil senator is supporting the bill.
Catch-up: The things you should know about final Dáil abortion vote
A ministerial rebellion and a new minister within hours; anger at criminalisation of and lack of advocacy for women; the Dáil bar can stay open until 5am.
Lucinda Creighton says term limit on abortions "the minimum we can offer"
The Minister of State for European Affairs was backed by several TDs in the call for a gestational term limit on abortion in Ireland.
Inadequate care and monitoring were factors in Savita's death - HSE report
The review also calls for greater clarity on options available to doctors in cases of “inevitable miscarriage”.
Catholic TDs "will not be excommunicated" if they vote for abortion legislation
A senior Vatican official has said that TDs should resign rather than support abortion legislation.
In pictures: Pro-life Knock vigil for mothers and unborn babies
The Catholic church has strongly criticised the plans and threatened the ex-communication of TDs who voted in favour of the bill.
Cabinet expected to approve draft abortion legislation today
Coalition partners Fine Gael and Labour are due to set out conditions under which abortions can be legally carried out in Ireland.
Unions call for X Case legislation, say delay is 'absolutely repugnant'
Officials from SIPTU, UNITE and the Women’s Committee of the ICTU presented a statement to Taoiseach Enda Kenny earlier this morning which called for immediate legislation on the issue.
Pro-life campaign dismiss 'sunset clause' in abortion legislation
A number of Fine Gael TDs put forward the idea of a ‘sunset clause’, where abortion legislation would be reviewed after a set number of years.
The Evening Fix… now with added follow-up to Gangnam Style
Things we learned, loved and shared today…
Column: Ireland's political system must embrace diversity to foster justice
Paying attention to multiple, often mutually reinforcing disadvantages, can help us understand injustices committed against marginalised members of our society, writes Clara Fischer.
Gardaí investigate threatening letter sent to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin
The letter warned Dr Martin to be “careful” on the streets because of his views on abortion.
Poll: Should TDs be given a free vote on abortion legislation?
What do you think? Should TDs tow the party line or vote according to their beliefs?
