Government TDs will have a free vote on the Social Democrats' Reproductive Rights Bill, which will be debated and voted on in the Dáil today.
The legislation would abolish the three-day waiting period for an abortion, revise the criteria for a termination on the grounds of fatal foetal abnormality, and remove the criminal sanctions found in the current laws.
The Government noted the bill at Cabinet yesterday and agreed to a free second-stage Dáil vote as it is a conscience matter.
However, the Department of Health believes there are difficulties with some parts of the proposed legislation.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is expected to tell the Dáil this morning that there are issues around the decriminalisation of doctors.
Plus, the revised criteria for termination for medical reasons and the introduction of ministerial guidelines around clinical practice present significant difficulties.
The bill is largely based on the recommendations of the O'Shea review of the Health Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act.
The minister will say that there is more access to services since the publication of the review, and terminations in early pregnancy are now provided in all 19 maternity hospitals.
Also, one of the two consultations required for a termination in early pregnancy can now take place remotely.
