AN BILLE UM CHEARTA ATÁIRGTHE (LEASÚ), 2026
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2026
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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
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Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Health (Regulation of the Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in order to reflect the findings of the
Marie O’Shea Report into the operation of the Act. The aim is to provide improved access to vital healthcare.
Provisions of the Bill
This Bill has 9 sections
– Section 1 outlines the definitions under the Act
– Section 2 uses the suggested wording in the O’Shea report to provide added clarity for medical practioners in cases where the life or health of the mother is at risk.
– Section 3 amends wording in regards to terminations for medical reasons, which was identified in the O’Shea report as causing barriers and
delays to care.
– Section 4 requires the Minister for Health to consult with service providers and issue ministerial guidelines within 6 months to provide
clarity on terminations where the pregnant woman’s life or health is at risk, or where the life of the foetus is at risk.
– Section 5 removes the requirement for a mandatory 3 day waiting period, and introduces a statutory right to a reflection period, which
women can avail of at their own discretion.
– Section 6 ends the criminalisation of medical practitioners for providing abortion services.
– Section 7 clarifies that medical practitioners’ right to conscientious objection does not override their legal duty to provide medical assistance in the case of emergencies.
– Section 8 requires the Minister to commence an independent review of the operation of the Act within 3 years of commencement.
– Section 9 outlines the short title, citation and commencement of the Bill.
Holly Cairns, TD,
Aibreán, 2026
Read the Bill Here