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The Four Courts in Dublin Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
Abortion

Man withdraws court bid to stop girlfriend travelling for abortion “under duress”

The man said he had faith in an affidavit signed by the woman’s family.

Updated 9.46pm

A MAN HAS withdrawn his application to have the High Court stop his pregnant girlfriend from travelling abroad for an abortion over fears that she was under duress from members of her family.

The High Court heard this morning that the man had read an affidavit from the woman’s family and was satisfied.

Barrister Seamas O Tuathail acting for the man said that he has faith in what was written in the sworn statement.

The court heard that “matters will continue as at present” with the pregnancy.

Judge Mary Laffoy struck out the application in its entirety and expressed her wish that “things work out well on both sides”.

She described it as a very emotive matter.

The Northern Ireland-based anti-abortion group Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is believed to have been involved in providing financial support for the case.

The man told the court earlier in the week that he did not want to stop his partner from travelling for a termination if it was her own choice, but wanted to protect her if she was under duress.

The court had adjourned on Wednesday to allow the woman time to get legal advice on what to do.

First published 11.12am

Read: Man seeks to stop girlfriend travelling abroad for abortion over ‘duress’ fears >

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