The representative body for the medical profession in Ireland has rejected three motions calling for the 
legalisation of abortion under various circumstances.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) voted against a motion supporting regulation of abortion in line with the X Case and with Government legislative plans.
The motion was defeated by 42 votes to 32 at the IMO’s annual conference, RTE News reports.
It was the first time in 20 years that the IMO had debated the issue.
Motions which called for abortion to be legal in the case of rape or incest or where a woman is carrying a foetus with a non-viable abnormality were also defeated.
Debate on the abortion motions lasted 100 minutes.
Cork GP Dr Mary Favier proposed the motion calling on doctors to support regulation of abortion in line with the X case.
Dublin GP Dr Cyril Daly said he was reminded of German doctors during the war, who conducted tests and carried out abortion, and he asked the IMO to resist the pressure to import abortion into Ireland.
Dr Eleanor Corcoran, a psychiatrist, said if the motion was passed it would mean abortion on demand.
Non-consultant hospital doctor Mark Murphy said the motion just reflected what was the law.