Alleged Irish Rape Victim Can’t Get British Abortion
A judge ruled Monday that a pregnant 14-year-old who says she was raped cannot escape Ireland’s ban on abortions by going to Britain.
It was the first test in Ireland of a woman’s right to obtain an abortion abroad.
However, the case is unlikely to have a significant effect on the several thousand Irish women who go elsewhere for abortions each year to get around Ireland’s ban, the strictest in Europe.
Attorney General Harry Whelehan learned of the girl’s plans only because her parents asked police if they should have tissue tests conducted on the fetus after her abortion in Britain for use in any criminal proceedings.
The rape case has not yet gone to trial.
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