Fine Gael has called for the establishment of a board to support women experiencing crisis pregnancy.
Speaking at the launch of the Care Of Persons Board Bill 2001, Fine Gael spokesman Mr Gay Mitchell said today women experiencing crisis pregnancy need to be supported by the State.
Fine Gael is proposing £50 million be provided for Care of Persons Board over a ten-year period. The Board would report to the Oireachtas Committee.
"For too long the State has failed to put in place proper support structures to assist such women," Mr Mitchell said.
"The role of the Board would be to support and facilitate any expectant mother experiencing a crisis pregnancy to bring her pregnancy to full term and birth."
The Care of Persons Board would "take all reasonable steps to ensure that any expectant mother, resident in Ireland, shall receive every necessary support, including advice, financial support, accommodation and health care, so as to ensure that every help is made available during crisis pregnancy."