In Ireland, the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill was passed by the Dàil, the Assembly of Ireland, last night with 90 votes in favour, 15 against and 12 abstentions, after a lengthy debate. Abortion is authorised up to 12 weeks. Beyond this term, a pregnancy can be terminated only if the mother’s life or health is at risk, or in the cases of a fatal foetal abnormality. The bill will now be put to the Senate for a vote as the government pushes for it to be passed before the planned introduction date in January.
For its part, the Irish Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, approved the use of mifepristone for pregnancy termination on November 30.
Nordic Group BV obtained the marketing authorisation. For an abortion, HPRA provides for a single 600 mg oral dose, followed 36 to 48 hours later by the administration of a prostaglandin analogue.
HPRA does not guarantee the availability of the pill next January.
Irish Examiner, Catherine Shanahan (04/12/2018)