Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise what I believe is the first test case for the new abortion legislation. I have been contacted by a woman who has a fatal foetal abnormality that has been certified by two consultants. It appears that the board of the Coombe Hospital is refusing her constitutional right, that we all voted for, to have an abortion at a time she chooses. Instead, they have told her she must wait another four weeks to see if there is a spontaneous miscarriage.

This is precisely the case that was brought to national attention and that led to pressure and demands for repeal of the eighth amendment. At 13 weeks, this woman went for her 12-week scan. They could clearly see at that point that the organs of the foetus were outside of the body. They brought her back a week later and that was fully confirmed when they got a better image. One doctor, her consultant, and then another consultant were brought in and stated that there is a fatal foetal abnormality. A week later, the matter went to the board and the board overruled that assertion.

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