Abortion Working Group Submission to the Public Consultation of the Abortion Review

Published: Monday, March 14, 2022

The Abortion Working Group – comprising over 20 civil society organisations and healthcare providers, led by the National Women’s Council - has submitted a report to the public consultation of the 3-year review of the abortion law highlighting significant ongoing issues impeding access to care and their recommendations to address these. The Abortion Working Group’s (AWG) detailed submission highlights that significant legal changes and practice improvements are required if the Health (Termination of Pregnancy) Act is to guarantee equal and accessible abortion access. Recommendations include: - Full decriminalisation of abortion in line with WHO guidance to remove the chilling effect on healthcare providers - Remove the mandatory three days wait period to ensure timely access to abortion care - Remove the 12-weeks gestational limit and enable abortion on request up to viability to ensure that no woman or pregnant person is forced to travel abroad for essential reproductive healthcare

Download file: Abortion Working Group Submission to the Public Consultation of the Abortion Review