04/05/2007

Irish teen's mother backs abortion bid

The mother of a 17-year-old pregnant Irish girl is set to back her bid to have an abortion in Britain.

The teenager, known only as Miss D is currently embroiled in a complex legal battle. She wishes to travel to Britain to terminate the pregnancy, as her baby is suffering from anencephaly, which means part of the brain, scalp and skull is missing.

The child will only survive for a few days outside the womb.

As she is currently in the care of Ireland’s health service, an order has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which will stop her from travelling to the UK.

The girl’s mother, known as Miss A, has insisted she should have the final say whether her daughter travels.

Abortion in Ireland is illegal, except in cases where there is substantial risk to the life of the mother, or she is suicidal.

The case continues.

(JM/SP)

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