The Coombe Hospital in Dublin has said its board has "no role whatsoever" in approving abortions.

It comes after two TDs claimed in the Dáil that a woman who has learned her foetus has a fatal foetal abnormality has been denied an abortion.

Ruth Coppinger and Bríd Smith said they had been contacted by the woman, who says this is not what she voted for in last year's abortion referendum.

Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger told deputies in the Dáil chamber: "I've been contacted by a woman who has a fatal foetal abnormality that has been certified by two consultants.

"Now it appears the board of the Coombe Hospital is refusing her constitutional right - that we all voted for - to have an abortion at a time she chooses. 

"Instead, they have told her that she must wait another four weeks to see if there's a spontaneous miscarriage."

The Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the case was a matter for doctors and that the law is very clear.

In a statement this evening, the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital said it can't comment on individual cases for ethical and legal reasons.

Photo: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie

Citing abortion legislation and the latest draft guidelines from the draft Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the statement adds: "The Board of Guardians and Directors of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital has no role whatsoever in certifying a termination of pregnancy.

"Insofar as recent media coverage has stated that the Board has had a role in determining whether or not the criteria for certification have been met, those reports are untrue."

"Wishes of the woman and her doctor must be respected"

The National Women's Council (NWCI) said their thoughts are with the woman at the centre of the case.

Director Orla O'Connor said: "This case has the potential for widespread anxiety for women in Ireland. The wishes of the woman and her doctor must be respected.

“As a matter of urgency, the Department of Health must intervene, so that the woman can access the medical services provided in law and supported by her doctors. Further, the Master of the Coombe Hospital must provide immediate clarity on the position of the Hospital in providing for a termination."

Abortion services became legal in Ireland on January 1st.

Terminations are legal up to 12 weeks, but only in exceptional circumstances after that.

The circumstances include cases where there is a serious risk to the health or life of the woman, or when continuing the pregnancy "is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth because of a problem with its development".

Additional reporting by Sean Defoe