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File Hugh Macknight/PA Wire
Abortion

75 per cent of Irish GPs "in favour of limited abortion"

Limited circumstances include major foetal abnormalities and rape, said the doctors surveyed. New research also shows that 97 per cent of the GPs had had a consultation dealing with abortion.

THREE QUARTERS OF Irish GPs surveyed said they were in favour of abortion in Ireland under limited circumstances, according to a new study.

The Medical Independent reports today that the study of 500 GPs and 244 GP registrars said they felt abortion should take in limited circumstances.

These included major foetal abnormalities, rape, and serious maternal illness where the mother’s life is in danger.

The study also showed that 97 per cent of GPs and 77 per cent of GP registrars had had a consultation dealing with abortion, with 45 per cent of those taking place in the last six months.

The study was presented at a meeting of the Association of University Departments of General Practice in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, recently. It was originally presented in November 2011 at a research conference at Sligo General Hospital.

Dr Ruth Cullen of the Pro-Life Campaign said at the time that only 44 per cent of those who were written to replied. Such a sample, she said, “could not be considered as a scientifically representative sample”.

Socialist Party TD Clare Daly has tabled a Bill permitting abortion in limited circumstances. Yesterday, Minister for Health James Reilly TD said the Government “cannot accept” the current version of the legislation as it stands. He said that legislating for the outcome of the X Case in 1992 was “a long overdue responsibility” that the current government intended to fulfil.

Column: We have waited long enough. It’s time to take action on the X case>

Column: There is nothing enlightened or progressive about this abortion legislation>

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