A Labour TD has officially introduced legislation which would allow abortion in the case of fatal foetal abnormality.

Backbencher Michael McNamara - who is a barrister by profession, and represents Clare - says the bill is not a breach of the Constitution.

No date has yet been set for any debate on the bill, but it is not expected to be voted on until after the summer break.

But Deputy McNamara is urging the government to give TDs the greatest possible chance to see if the move would be legal or not:

Under the current laws, pregnant women who do not wish to carry to term must travel abroad to receive a termination for medical reasons.

Deputy McNamara's proposals would allow for a termination of pregnancy in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

Last month, a bill on fatal foetal abnormalities - by Independent TD Clare Daly - failed a vote because TDs thought it was unconstitutional.

Deputy McNamara says he wrote the bill after speaking to families who were affected by a diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality:

Originally posted at 9.55am