Ireland came within a single vote of a dramatic expansion of abortion law on December 22, 2025, as a Private Members' Bill from People Before Profit was defeated in the Dáil by 73 to 71.
The bill 2023 would have removed key safeguards, including the three-day waiting period, allowed abortion on request up to viability, expanded abortion for unborn children with life-limiting conditions, and fully decriminalized abortion.
Pro-life advocates credit last-minute efforts to ensure every opposing vote was cast for preventing the sweeping liberalization. Critics also highlight that several senior Government ministers, including members of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, voted in favor, breaking trust with the electorate.
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