Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024
| Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Oireachtas | |
| |
| Citation | No. 13 of 2024 |
| Territorial extent | Ireland |
| Passed by | Dáil |
| Passed | 15 November |
| Passed by | Seanad |
| Passed | 1 May 2024 |
| Signed by | President Michael D. Higgins |
| Signed | 7 May 2024 |
| Legislative history | |
| First chamber: Dáil | |
| Bill title | Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 |
| Bill citation | No. 54 of 2023 |
| Introduced by | Minister for Health (Stephen Donnelly) |
| Introduced | 29 January 2023 |
| Committee responsible | Health |
| First reading | 5 July 2023 |
| Second reading | 27 September 2023 |
| Considered by the Health Committee | 25 October 2023 |
| Report and Final Stage | 15 November 2023 |
| Second chamber: Seanad | |
| Second reading | 14 December 2023 |
| Considered in committee | 27 February 2024 |
| Report and Final Stage | 1 May 2024 |
| Final stages | |
| Seanad amendments considered by the Dáil | 1 May 2024 |
| Finally passed both chambers | 1 May 2024 |
| Summary | |
| Creates safe access zones around abortion clinics | |
| Status: Current legislation | |
The Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024 (Act No. 13 of 2024; previously Bill No. 54 of 2023) is an Act of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) which establishes safe zones around abortion clinics with a radius 100 metres.
Background
Abortion was legalised in 2018 in Ireland through a referendum.
Abortion access remained difficult due to harassment, illegal tactics and a culture of shame related to abortion with a number of unregulated services providing false services.[1]
The Dáil passed the bill in November 2023.[2] The Seanad passed the bill in May 2024.[3]
See also
References
- ^ Hogan, Caelainn (3 October 2019). "Why Ireland's battle over abortion is far from over". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ Hosford, Paul (15 November 2023). "Legislation for 'exclusion zones' for abortion services passes through Dáil". Irish Examiner. Dublin. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ O'Halloran, Marie (1 May 2024). "Seanad passes Bill to prevent anti-abortion protests outside health facilities". Irish Times. Dublin. Retrieved 17 July 2024.