Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution

International Developments in the Provision of Health Care Services in the Area of Termination of Pregnancies: Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and World Health Organization

1:00 pm

Dr. Ronald Johnson:

The World Health Organization would never say that Ireland is living in the dark ages. Ireland is an outlier in the European region in terms of its abortion laws. However, every country has its unique historical context and social and cultural differences. The economics are different and the politics are different. All these differences are important in helping to explain the current situation. Regardless of that, women will have abortions. Therefore, Ireland has to ask itself if it wants to change anything at this point. If it does, the World Health Organization would be more than willing to engage with the Department of Health.

We would really like to support Ireland to adapt our evidence based and human rights based approach.