The Pro Life Campaign has welcomed the Criminal Justice (Unborn Victims of Crime) Bill 2026, sponsored by Independent TD Carol Nolan and co-sponsors, describing it as an important and compassionate measure to address serious gaps in Irish criminal law.
The Bill would recognise unborn babies as distinct victims of crime in cases involving fatal injuries caused by violent assaults or road traffic offences, while also addressing serious injuries to unborn babies arising from careless or dangerous driving. It applies through the full nine months of pregnancy and explicitly provides that a pregnant woman cannot be prosecuted in respect of her own unborn child. Courts would have flexibility in sentencing, including the possibility of manslaughter convictions in the most serious cases.
The Bill’s sponsor, Deputy Carol Nolan, outlined the purpose of the bill:
“Under current Irish law, when an unborn baby dies as a result of a violent assault against the pregnant mother, or through dangerous driving, the law fails to properly recognise that child as a victim. For grieving parents, this lack of recognition can compound an already devastating loss.
“This Bill is about justice, compassion and ensuring that the law acknowledges the reality of what these families have suffered. When a family loses their unborn child through someone else’s criminal actions, that loss deserves meaningful recognition.”
The Pro Life Campaign highlighted the comprehensive nature of the legislation, which applies throughout pregnancy and covers both deliberate violence and road traffic offences.
Spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign Eilís Mulroy said: “Unlike a similar recent proposal which is limited to road traffic offences and excludes unborn babies before 23 weeks’ gestation, Deputy Nolan’s Bill includes situations where a woman is a victim of assault and recognises that every unborn child deserves protection, regardless of their stage of development. Importantly, it also respects the personhood of the unborn child.”
Ms Mulroy concluded: “This bill is a measured and constructive response to a genuine injustice. It does not seek to criminalise pregnant women. Rather, it seeks to ensure that those responsible for criminal acts resulting in the death of an unborn child can be held appropriately accountable.
“We urge TDs across all parties and none to support this Bill and give grieving families the recognition and justice they deserve.
“We pay particular tribute to Deputy Carol Nolan for her leadership in bringing forward this important bill, and to the other TDs who have co-sponsored it. Their commitment to addressing this longstanding injustice and standing with grieving families deserves recognition and support.”