The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) has welcomed the publication of the heads of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

However, it says there is significant work to be done 'to ensure women's lives are protected during pregnancy'.

"The legislation is required to create legal clarity for doctors and women. However, the IFPA is concerned that the proposed Heads of Bill are overtly complex and may discourage women and doctors from relying on it because of unnecessary barriers and uncertainty," according to an IFPA statement.

In particular, the IFPA says it is is concerned about the 'chilling effect' of criminal liability for those deemed to have assisted in an illegal abortion under the new law. Both the women concerned and healthcare professionals can face legal sanctions oif they fall foul of the new law.

IFPA Honorary Legal Counsel Catherine Forde said: "to reduce the chilling effect of the criminal sanctions on women and doctors, the language in the heads of bills needs to change from "it is an not offence", to stating that it is now lawful to provide abortions when a woman's life is at risk.

"Also, it would be greatly assist women and Doctors reaching their decisions if the legislation stated that the risk to the woman's life does not have to be immediate or inevitable as set out in the X Case judgment".

IFPA Medical Director Dr Caitríona Henchion said the legislation needed to specify a system which avoids delay from first presentation and ensures a simple pathway for women.

"A speeding up of the review system is also required to a maximum of seven days. This will ensure, as specified in the A, B & C judgment, that the legislation is accessible and practicable for women".