Irish Health Minister Says Abortion Law Will Save Lives

Would legalize abortion in rare circumstances

DUBLIN, Ireland, June 21 (UPI) -- Dr. James Reilly, the Irish minister of health, opened debate on an abortion bill Thursday by saying it would assure women their lives will be protected.

Reilly also said the bill, by bringing abortion into the open, would allow officials to determine if some hospitals appear to be performing too many abortions, The Irish Times reported.

"More importantly, Irish women can be assured that everything possible will be done to save their lives in Irish hospitals," he said.