14.12.2021- News Release: Over 100 healthcare professionals urge Dáil to pass the Foetal Pain Relief Bill on Wednesday

14.12.2021- News Release: Over 100 healthcare professionals urge Dáil to pass the Foetal Pain Relief Bill on Wednesday

A letter signed by over 100 healthcare professionals, including 35 doctors and over 40 nurses, has urged TDs to vote in favour of progressing the Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021 to committee stage tomorrow, Wednesday, 15th December.

The Foetal Pain Relief bill seeks to mandate the provision of pain relief medicine for unborn children during late-term abortions. The proposal arises from mounting scientific evidence which suggests that babies can feel pain from 20 weeks gestation, and perhaps even earlier.

The letter, which has been sent to TDs this afternoon, referenced the scientific evidence on this issue and urged members to vote for this “small but merciful adjustment to the 2018 abortion legislation.” It continued, “The administration of pain relief to unborn babies before a late-term abortion would at least guarantee that no baby dies experiencing pain or distress that could be avoided.”

As registered medical and health professionals in the Republic of Ireland, the signatories have asked TDs to listen to the concerns they have raised and ensure this humanitarian measure is passed.

ENDS