The Chairperson of the Rape Crisis Centre in Sligo says the government must comply with international law on abortion.
It follows a report issued on the case of Amanda Mellet this week which that her ‘fundamental rights were’ breached by the fact she was denied an abortion here.
The State now has 180 days to address the findings of a damning United Nations report criticising Ireland’s abortion laws.
The report stated Amanda Mellet suffered ‘severe emotional and mental pain’ after being denied an abortion here.
Ms Mellet went to the UK for an abortion after she was told the foetus she was carrying had a fatal abnormality and would die in utero or shortly after birth.
Parvez Butt is the Chairperson of the centre based on Castle Street in Sligo which supports rape crisis victims and provides counselling services.
Speaking to Ocean FM News today, he says regardless of people’s views on the matter, the State has to facilitate women having a choice:
He also says that the current government’s calls for a Citizen’s Assembly is simply not enough.
He says it’s time Ireland was more open on these issues.
However, speaking in a personal capacity he says he does not think this government has the conviction to take action on this issue.
