Woman refused abortion at Dublin Hospital, Dáil hears

Dublin's Coombe Hospital

A woman whose baby was diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality has been refused a termination.

I've just raised the case of a women who was denied a termination for fatal foetal abnormalities despite 2 consultants agreeing. The hospital asking for her to wait 4 weeks, where it's likely she'll miscarry. Woman is considering travel to UK. #repealedthe8th #dubw #legisl8

— Ruth Coppinger TD (@RuthCoppingerTD) January 17, 2019

Speaking in the Dáil, Ms Coppinger said: “I want to raise what I believe is the first test case for the new abortion legislation. I have been contacted by a woman who has a fatal foetal abnormality that has been certified by two consultants."

"I’ve been contacted by a woman who has a fatal foetal abnormality that has been certified by two consultants and now it appears the board of the Coombe Hospital is refusing her constitutional right that we all voted for to have an abortion at a time she chooses.

"Instead they have told her that she must wait another four weeks to see if there’s a spontaneous miscarriage."

She added: “This is about the law. A main maternity hospital in the capital city of this country is refusing this woman her constitutional right when two doctors certify what is very clearly a fatal foetal abnormality.”