Preliminary statement on abortion referendum announcement

09 Oct 2001

Catholic Bishops’ Spokesperson makes Preliminary Statement on Abortion Referendum Announcement

9 October 2001

The Principal Spokesperson for the Irish Episcopal Conference, Fr Martin Clarke, made the following statement today:

The fact that the Government has agreed to propose a referendum is to be welcomed as the Conference has frequently expressed the view that a referendum is necessary to ensure adequate Constitutional protection for the unborn and to rectify the unsatisfactory situation created by the Supreme Court judgement in the “X Case”.

In this regard, it is noted that there are positive features to the proposals published by the Government. However, the proposed Constitutional and legislative provisions will require serious examination and detailed consideration by the
Conference.

In due course, the Conference may wish to make a formal statement on the proposals when the ethical, medical and legal implications of the measures have been fully evaluated.

ENDS

Further information:
Fr Martin Clarke 087 220 8044
Ms Brenda Drumm 087 233 7797