Decisions surrounding women’s health have no place in courts

Published: Thursday, December 18, 2014

In response to media reports that a pregnant woman is being kept on life supports machines against the wishes of her family, Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI, said,

“Our thoughts are with the woman’s family today. Once more we can see the horrendous situation that women and their families are being placed in Ireland where their needs and voices are clearly not being recognised.

The case demonstrates the inadequacy of the current legal framework surrounding the rights of pregnant women which constitutes a significant chilling factor for medical staff.

We urge the government to take decisions surrounding women’s health out of the constitution and the courts and into the hands of women, their families and doctors. We express our deepest sympathy with the woman’s family. ”

For further information, please contact Orla O’Connor, NWCI Director, Tel. 087 338 8104