Abortion bill 'does not change' Irish law, says Kenny

The thorny issue of abortion is once more back at the top of the political agenda in Ireland

A controversial abortion bill in the Republic of Ireland does not amount to a change in the law, the Irish prime minister has said.

Enda Kenny said that the draft bill would bring certainty to pregnant women and legal clarity to doctors

He was speaking after the cabinet reached agreement on the proposed Protection of Life in Pregnancy Bill.

It includes the credible threat of suicide as grounds for a termination.

The taoiseach told a news conference on Wednesday that the issue had been "divisive and contentious" for more than 30 years.

"This bill restates the general prohibition on abortion in Ireland. The law on abortion in Ireland is not being changed," he said.

"We are a compassionate people. This is about women; it is about saving lives, the life of the mother and the life of the unborn.

"Our country will continue to be one of the safest places in the world for childbirth."

The tanaiste (deputy prime minister), Eamon Gilmore, said there had been been a "pall of uncertainty" over the issue.

"Women have a right to know that, if the worst happens, they will be able to have life-saving treatment. For years they have been denied that right," he said.

Irish Health Minister James Reilly said for two decades governments had failed to deal with the issue.

He said the bill would "put in place a certainty about how to deal with medical emergencies during pregnancy".

The Irish government published the draft legislation on Tuesday night.

It allows for terminations when there is a real and substantial threat to the life of the mother, including the threat of suicide.

The draft bill states that terminations must be carried out in public obstetric units, except in emergencies, when a single medical practitioner can approve an abortion.

In the case of a risk of loss of life from physical illness, two doctors must certify that there is a real and substantial risk to the mother's life.

Enda Kenny said: "This is about women; it is about saving lives, the life of the mother and the life of the unborn"

In the case of a risk of suicide, three doctors must jointly sanction an abortion - an obstetrician and a psychiatrist from the hospital involved, and another psychiatrist.

If a woman is refused an abortion, she can appeal to a committee, which must meet within seven days of her request, and report within another seven days.

The bill will be discussed by the health committee.

Legislation will then be drawn up and introduced in the Dáil (Irish parliament)

At present, at least 11 women leave the Irish Republic every day for an abortion in Britain.