The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (pictured) has welcomed the passing of legislation that would introduce ‘safe-access zones’ around healthcare premises providing services linked to the termination of pregnancy.

The Health (Termination of Pregnancy) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 passed all stages in the Dáil last night (15 November).

"The introduction of safe-access zones will protect the freedom to access termination-of-pregnancy services without impediment, and the privacy and dignity of women accessing health services, as well as the service providers, and their staff in the course of their duties and responsibilities," Minister Donnelly stated.

Entrance and exit

The legislation will create zones of 100 metres from an entrance or exit to a premises where obstetricians, gynaecologists, and general practitioners provide termination services.

The zones will also apply to hospitals that provide acute in-patient services within the meaning of section 51 of the Health Act 1970.

Within those zones, certain conduct aimed at impeding access, or influencing decisions in relation to termination of pregnancy services, will be prohibited.

The bill will now go to the Seanad for consideration.