As we head into the last weekend before #8thref, we have identified the ten questions we are asked most often. Here are they are, with answers. [Thread]
1. What are we voting on?
Yes: remove 8th Amendment and replace w 'Provision may be made by law for regulation of termination of pregnancy'
No: retain 8th Amendment and make no constitutional change.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/11/wha…
Yes: remove 8th Amendment and replace w 'Provision may be made by law for regulation of termination of pregnancy'
No: retain 8th Amendment and make no constitutional change.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/11/wha…
2. What does Gov propose?
Up to 12 wks: abortion available following consult w Dr + 3 day wait; no specific indiation
12 weeks->viability: abortion available if risk to life or of serious harm to health; foetus not viable; abortion appropriate. 2 Drs certify.
FFA & emergencies.
Up to 12 wks: abortion available following consult w Dr + 3 day wait; no specific indiation
12 weeks->viability: abortion available if risk to life or of serious harm to health; foetus not viable; abortion appropriate. 2 Drs certify.
FFA & emergencies.
3. How would it work up to 12 weeks?
Go to Dr; request abortion. Dr not required to verify reasons; must certify <12 weeks; 72-hour (i.e. 3 day) waiting period. After that time, if she still wanted to, a woman could access abortion care.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/06/wha…
Go to Dr; request abortion. Dr not required to verify reasons; must certify <12 weeks; 72-hour (i.e. 3 day) waiting period. After that time, if she still wanted to, a woman could access abortion care.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/06/wha…
4. And after 12 weeks?
1 obstetrician + 1 appropriate practitioner certify: (a) risk to the life or of serious harm to the health of woman, (b) foetus not viable, & (c) abortion appropriate in the circumstances.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/05/04/whe…
1 obstetrician + 1 appropriate practitioner certify: (a) risk to the life or of serious harm to the health of woman, (b) foetus not viable, & (c) abortion appropriate in the circumstances.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/05/04/whe…
5. Will abortion be allowed post-viability?
No. Abortion post-viability will ordinarily be a crime.
NB in FFA cases foetus does not reach viability.
NB no time limit in emergencies to facilitate emergency care. We explain: aboutthe8th.com/2018/05/07/wou…
No. Abortion post-viability will ordinarily be a crime.
NB in FFA cases foetus does not reach viability.
NB no time limit in emergencies to facilitate emergency care. We explain: aboutthe8th.com/2018/05/07/wou…
6. Will abortion be allowed for disability?
No. There is no disability ground (unlike in the UK where abortion is allowed without time limit where the foetus is diagnosed with a condition indicating serious disability).
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/07/wha…
No. There is no disability ground (unlike in the UK where abortion is allowed without time limit where the foetus is diagnosed with a condition indicating serious disability).
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/07/wha…
7. Will repeal impact medical negligence claims for stillbirth or injury during birth?
No. There are no implications for medical negligence law from repeal.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/05/17/wil…
No. There are no implications for medical negligence law from repeal.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/05/17/wil…
8. Will GPs be forced to provide abortions?
No. Just as under the current law (Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013) doctors can opt out of providing abortion, but must refer a woman to someone who can provide abortion care.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/06/wil…
No. Just as under the current law (Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013) doctors can opt out of providing abortion, but must refer a woman to someone who can provide abortion care.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/06/wil…
9. Is this the same as the law in England?
No. The grounds are more limited, the time limits are shorter, and the certification process is significantly more complex.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/06/wil…
No. The grounds are more limited, the time limits are shorter, and the certification process is significantly more complex.
Fuller answer: aboutthe8th.com/2018/04/06/wil…
10. What happens if the 8th Amendment is retained?
Nothing changes. We may still legalise abortion only where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman. Abortion cannot be legalised for FFA or rape. Abortion cannot be decriminalised.
/END/
Nothing changes. We may still legalise abortion only where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman. Abortion cannot be legalised for FFA or rape. Abortion cannot be decriminalised.
/END/
