A report by Amnesty International claims abortion law in the Republic of Ireland treats women like 'child-bearing vessels'.

The human rights organisation has said women in the Republic of Ireland should have access to safe, legal abortions.

A report, She is not a Criminal: The Impact of Ireland’s Abortion Law, claims pregnant women risk putting their health and lives in danger if they remain in Ireland.

The report is part of Amnesty’s campaign, My Body My Rights.

"The human rights of women are violated on a daily basis because of a constitution that treats them like child-bearing vessels," said Amnesty’s Secretary General, Salil Shetty.

"Women who need abortions are treated like criminals, stigmatised and forced to travel abroad, taking a serious toll on their mental and physical health.

"The Irish state can no longer ignore this reality, and the appalling impact it is having on thousands of people every year."

Amnesty is calling for a change in the law so that women can have abortions in cases of rape, severe or fatal foetal impairment, or a risk to their health.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act allows terminations where there is a threat to the life of the mother.

Adapted from BBC

Photo: BBC