Updated: 19.25
The State has opposed an application by the Pro Life Campaign to be heard as part of an appeal concerning the constitutional rights of the unborn child.
The High Court has previously ruled that the unborn child has rights on top of those set out in the 8th amendment.
Counsel for the Pro Life Campaign told the Supreme Court it wants to make submissions as an amicus curia - or assistant to the court - as it has developed specific legal expertise in the area over the past 25 years.
Later this month, the Supreme Court will hear an appeal of a ruling that the unborn child has rights under the Constitution on top of those set out in article 40.3.3.
Supreme court will rule tomorrow whether the Pro Life Campaign can join a court case as a friend of the court - examining the Constitutional rights of unborn pic.twitter.com/QcdA1UAPUx
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) February 6, 2018
The Pro Life Campaign wants to be able to make submissions to that appeal as an amicus curia - or friend or assistant to the court - on the basis of its 25 year experience in advocating for women and children.
Counsel for the group said it had developed specific legal expertise in the area as a result.
Objecting the application, Mary O'Toole said the State has questions about one particular group being elevated as an amicus.
She said the Pro Life Campaign is a campaign group who will campaign in the likely referendum on abortion, and any application would have to be viewed with utmost caution.
The three-judge court will rule on the matter on Wednesday.
