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Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

TD facing expulsion still 'weighing up' decision ahead of abortion vote

The Fine Gael TD is on the fence ahead of Wednesday night’s vote on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.

MICHELLE MULHERIN HAS not yet decided if she will vote against the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 come the final vote on Wednesday.

The Fine Gael TD has expressed her dissatisfaction with the proposed legislation but has not gone as far as saying she will face expulsion from the party over it.

Speaking on Morning Ireland today, the Mayo deputy said she will “weigh up on balance what to do” once the amendments she has tabled are accepted or rejected.

Although she accepts the inclusion of suicide grounds as means to obtain a lawful termination, Mulherin wants further assurances about the restrictive nature of the bill.

“I would consider my position once the Minister gave appropriate consideration to my concerns and to my efforts to make this particular piece of legislation more restrictive,” she said, describing the government’s current amendments as “window dressing”.

She also reiterated her request for a “pause period” of between one week and 10 days from the time a pregnant woman makes the request and the medical assessment is conducted by obstetricians and psychiatrists. That suggestion was dismissed by the Health Committee last week.

Others who have indicated their opposition to the Bill, but have not said outright that they will vote against it, include Junior Minister Lucinda Creighton, John Paul Phelan, James Bannon and John O’Mahony.

In the first Dáil vote, 24 TDs voted against the legislation with four Fine Gael members losing the party whip.

Related: Thousands take to Dublin streets over proposed abortion legislation

Read: ‘Rally for Life’ protest to call for referendum on abortion bill

More: Lucinda Creighton seeks removal of suicidal ideation from abortion bill

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128 Comments
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    Mute Roj Blake
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    Jul 26th 2023, 8:15 PM

    Should be a requirement that one parent is working

    273
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    Mute Peter
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    Jul 26th 2023, 8:11 PM

    Talk about throwing equality out the window. Like all things that’s for the betterment of womankind, it’s too slow, it’s too few and it comes with too many restrictions. Time for the women of Ireland to speak up on this matter. God forbid a woman can build a career first then only have 1 shot at IVF. FFG making more hurdles for the next government.

    76
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    Mute Kevin O'Callaghan
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    Jul 26th 2023, 8:23 PM

    @Peter: women are having a families far too late in life. Thats a biological fact. There needs to be a societal shift into having families earlier in life. This is a step in the right direction and should help a lot of people who are struggling and should be commended. More to do yes

    161
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    Mute Alison Hughes
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    Jul 27th 2023, 12:41 PM

    @Peter: so why don’t you run for election and change the system?
    Why don’t you start a lobby group and advocate for change?
    It’s a lot easier to just moan about “FFG” and do nothing, ain’t that right Pete?!?!

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    Mute Barney
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    Jul 26th 2023, 11:19 PM

    The scheme is a joke for sound bites only and when you look at the conditions it restricts too many women to make any benifit. Families having less kids and at an older age is a direct result of policies promoting such.
    Security of a home, well we will punish and reduce your lending amount. Maturnity leave over, Time to return to work, well your baby is too young for creche and when of age we will charge a fortune. Shortage of schools in your area amongst new housing, well that land was given away free. Your child is on Austism spectrum. Well wait 2 years to be accessed and receive no help.

    66
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    Mute Fiona Wyse
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    Jul 26th 2023, 11:28 PM

    @Barney: kind of makes you wonder why people have children at all!

    33
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    Mute Trumpty Dumpty
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    Jul 26th 2023, 10:38 PM

    Definitely should be free. But I feel the age cut off should be 35.

    44
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    Mute PRdLQWQF
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    Jul 26th 2023, 8:38 PM

    The scheme is a joke! Basing it on having a BMI is ridiculous! If the government want to help people doing IVF they should regulate the IVF clinics so they stop falsifying their “success rates” to make more money from vulnerable people trying to realise their dreams!!

    59
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    Mute IMHO
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    Jul 27th 2023, 9:33 AM

    Perhaps we also need to change the societal narrative that there is something wrong with being childless? (Or even single, for that matter.) Everybody’s contribution to society is important, and life can be just as fulfilling for those who don’t follow the well-trodden path.

    34
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    Mute Alison Hughes
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    Jul 27th 2023, 12:43 PM

    If you want children, pay for them yourself, or even do a good thing and adopt?
    Don’t expect others to finance your choices!

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    Mute Patrick
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    Jul 29th 2023, 11:26 AM

    @Alison Hughes: Assume you are against child support?

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