Irish House members call for investigation into ‘Illegal life-threatening advice on abortion’
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After it was alleged that counsellors in Ireland have been giving potentially life threatening advice on abortion, there are increasing calls for an independent investigation.
Last week members on both sides of the House called for the Health Minister James Reilly and Justice Minister Alan Shatter to explain what was being done about these allegations, which Fine Gael’s Paul Bradford called a "possible national scandal".
The demands come after an investigation carried out by the Irish Independent working with a team of undercover women last month, revealed staff at some clinics were putting women's lives at risk and breaking the law.
A team of women, some from the pro-life movement, secretly recorded counsellors at 11 locations around the country. A leading lawyer said some of the advice they gave was illegal and a doctor said some was medically dangerous.
There were numerous incidents involving the HSE and the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), including at its Dundalk office, when a woman was told she could lie to a doctor about having an abortion, advice that could put a woman's life at risk, according to Professor Sam Coulter Smith, the master of the Rotunda Hospital.
The HSE has now launched an investigation, and gardai in Store Street, Dublin, are also examining the recordings.
Seanad leader Maurice Cummins said he had the utmost confidence they would act if there was anything illegal.
"I am not interested in the HSE being the investigator," Mr Bradford said.
"I want to see the HSE investigated. I want the HSE before the Oireachtas committee.
"I want the Irish Family Planning Association and other clinics before the Oireachtas committee to answer questions.
"We cannot run away from this possible national scandal."
Aideen Hayden (Lab) said it was important to note that certain matters that went on in this country did so because we were not open and transparent around matters of women’s health.
Over a dozen senators raised the issue and Fianna Fail's Marc McSharry said the report in the Irish Independent raised "very serious questions".
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Disclosed: Counsellors in Ireland give potentially life-threatening advice on abortion
