The Dáil has been debating the abortion legislation that followed on from the yes vote in the referendum.
The Fianna Fáil TD said she strongly supported the retention of the Eighth Amendment, but had pledged
after the referendum that she would not obstruct or oppose the passage of the legislation through the Dáil.
She said viability for a foetus came at 23 to 24 weeks but the Bill’s definition was deliberately vague and seemed to allow for abortion late into the second and third trimester.
Mary Butler said doctors should be able to opt out of referring women.
She says one doctor told her, he trained for eleven years and entered his profession to protect life, not take it.
The Waterford TD told the Minister that what was proposed in the bill is to force doctors to refer women for abortions against their conscience which
is deeply unjust.
