01/05/2007

Teenager challenges HSE in abortion case

A pregnant 17-year-old girl has gone to the High Court in Dublin today to challenge the HSE for preventing her from travelling to Britain for an abortion.

The girl, known as Miss D, is four months pregnant, however the baby suffers from a rare condition that means the child would die shortly after birth.

She is currently in the care of the state health service and the HSE is refusing to allow her to leave the country.

The girl is also hoping to overturn another HSE order whereby the Gardai can prevent her from leaving the country.

Under abortion laws in the Republic, a pregnant minor in state care can only travel to Britain for an abortion if their own life is at risk or they are a suicide risk. Miss D is taking the case through her boyfriend, as she is a minor.

Legal experts believe this case, which is listed for mention before Justice Liam McKenzie today, will widen the laws to include foetal abnormality as a grounds for abortion.

(JM)

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