The Dail has rejected a bill that would require doctors to give pain relief to foetuses in case of late-term abortions. However, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said issues like this can be raised within the review looking at how abortion legislation is operating in the State.

Opponents of the bill said it would tie the hands of doctor. Supporters said vets are required by law to give pain relief to animals.

The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Foetal Pain Relief) Bill 2021 was sponsored by Carol Nolan, Peadar Tóibín, Peter Fitzpatrick, Noel Grealish, Éamon Ó Cuív, Seán Canney, Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath.

The Dáil rejected a second reading of the Bill on Wednesday evening, and a Government counter motion was passed by 107 votes to 36.

Mr Donnelly said medical colleges are working on reviewing clinical guidance documents and, where necessary, they will be updating them “according to the latest evidence and international best practice in the area”.