Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is shocking to think that a doctor, friend or family member could still face a 14-year prison sentence for helping someone access an abortion. The reality is that the Irish people voted for abortion to be a healthcare issue and not a criminal act. Unfortunately, the Act still criminalises anyone who assists a pregnant person to obtain an abortion outside of the provisions of the Act with a penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment. Are there many, or any, other countries in which abortion is decriminalised? Do our guests think that decriminalisation would help to reduce the stigma relating to abortion?