No more delays – publish X Case legislation, says Gerry Adams

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘The people, speaking in a referendum in 2002, rejected attempts to remove the threat of suicide as grounds for a legal abortion’

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams TD has said political parties need to put aside party politics in relation to the X Case legislation and the Irish Government should publish legislation “with no further delay”.

“What we need is calm, reasoned and compassionate discussion of this sensitive matter,” the Sinn Féin leader said.

“Thus far, the Government has not handled this issue well.

“The evidence in the inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar underlined the need for clarity for medical practitioners and protection for pregnant women who may be at risk.”

The Sinn Féin leader accused some politicians of playing party politics with this issue. He accused Fine Gael TD Brian Walsh on RTÉ – “in a very mischievous way” – of misrepresenting Sinn Féin’s position. “Sinn Féin is not a pro-abortion party,” Gerry Adams said.

“We have a long-standing party position that the Government must legislate for the Supreme Court decision in the X Case which included the threat of suicide as grounds to access a termination.

“The people, speaking in a referendum in 2002, rejected attempts to remove the threat of suicide as grounds for a legal abortion.

“What is missing in this discussion is the proposed Government legislation.

“They should be no further delay or excuses in the publication of the X Case legislation.

“Sinn Féin will closely scrutinise this legislation but the key issue is the need for legal clarity be for medical practitioners and legal protection for pregnant women whose lives are at risk.”