National Women’s Council welcomes appointment of independent Chair of Abortion Review

Published: Wednesday, January 26, 2022

The National Women’s Council (NWC) has today welcomed the appointment of an independent Chair to lead the Abortion Review 

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWC said,

“We welcome the appointment of an Independent Chair, and it is positive that the appointment process has been followed rather than the complex and protracted process of a public tender. Independent oversight of the review process will be crucially important. It is vital now that we see progress, as delays in undertaking this legally mandated review mean that women and pregnant people continue to have to travel for vital healthcare or take pills online without appropriate support or aftercare.”

“For the review to run smoothly, we need clear timelines – the report of the Chair must be submitted in September and amendments to the Health (Terminations of Pregnancy Act) should be considered for the Autumn legislative programme. It is almost a year since the review was first announced, it is time for a clear and strict schedule – there is no time to delay.”

Orla O’Connor concluded,

“In Ireland, access to abortion is not equal. Many women still face systemic barriers to this fundamental healthcare. Our health system is not delivering what women need: equitable access to abortion. Therefore, it is so important that the voices and experiences of women are at the centre of the review process. It is they who are best placed to make decisions regarding their health, with the advice and support of their doctor. We look forward to working with the new independent Chair, Marie O’Shea to ensure that lived experience of abortion care is at the centre of this Review process.”

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