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Irish expert report could lead to British-style abortion system, warns SPUC

The recommendations of Ireland's Expert Group on abortion could lead to a British-style abortion system in Ireland, warned SPUC. SPUC was commenting after various media outlets claimed to have seen the expert group's report, due to be published later this week. John Smeaton, SPUC director, commented: "According to a leaked copy of the report, the so-called experts recommend that 'termination of pregnancy should be considered a medical treatment regardless of whether the risk to the woman arises on physical or mental health grounds'. If this principle is followed to its logical conclusion, Ireland will end up with a similar abortion regime to Great Britain." > [SPUC, 26 November]

In related news:

• FG TDs warn legislation move will spark free abortion vote [Irish Independent, 26 November]
• Labour to seek limited abortion [Irish Times, 26 November]
• RTE claims to have seen full report from expert group [RTE, 26 November]
• Letter: Only election fears of TDs can stop abortion [Irish Examiner, 26 November]
• Irish Independent was leaked expert group report [Irish Independent, 25 November]
• Government to act 'speedily' if abortion law is required [Irish Times, 25 November]

Other stories:

Embryology

• Fertility treatment waiting times halve after increased payments to donors [Telegraph, 26 November]

Population

• UN report on world population draws criticism from pro-life advocates [Catholic World News, 26 November]
• GQ names China's Chen Guangcheng rebel of the year [France24, 25 November]

Sexual ethics

• Yorkshire Tory MP: Same-sex marriage is being forced on churches [PinkNews, 25 November]
• Majority support referendum on gay marriage [Telegraph, 24 November]
• Princes William and Harry endorse endorse Terrence Higgins Trust [Telegraph, 26 November]
• Bizarre new restaurant is first in the UK to offer family planning leaflets with meals [Mail, 26 November]

To subscribe to SPUC's email information services, please visit www.spuc.org.uk/em-signup. The reliability of the news herein is dependent on that of the cited sources, which are paraphrased rather than quoted. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. © Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, 2018