Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The period of 14 years was agreed at the time of drafting the 2013 Act following discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality and the Office of the Attorney General to ensure alignment with the criminal code for crimes of similar magnitude. Other offences subject to a maximum of 14 years include the offence of assisting the commission of a suicide, under the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993, and assaults causing serious harm, under section 4 of the Non-fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.

The penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment may apply to any person, including the pregnant woman. While it is recognised that the potential criminalisation of a pregnant woman is a very difficult and sensitive matter, this provision reflects the State’s constitutional obligation arising from Article 40.3.3^o.

See this speech in context