A Catholic bishop has said legislating for the X case would allow for the direct and intentional killing of the baby in the womb.

Catholic Bishop of Elphin Dr Christopher Jones told the Oireachtas Health Committee abortion hearings that legislating for the X case removed the obligation to make every effort at all times to preserve the life of both the mother and her unborn child.

He said it was not necessary to legislate for the X case to ensure that women in Ireland receive all the life-saving treatment they need during pregnancy and other options were available other than legislation.

Ireland could fall foul of the European Convention on Human Rights for denying abortion in cases of lethal foetal abnormality, the committee was told.

Dr Alan Brady of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties told the Committee Ireland could be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights for denying abortion in cases of lethal foetal abnormality.