The Dutch "Women on Waves" medical team on their way to Ireland will face up to 4 1/2years in jail in the Netherlands and a large fine if they offer Irishwomen the drug Mifepristone RU-146 to induce an abortion.
Dutch law forbids termination of pregnancies unless a licence has been approved and medical and public health guidelines set out in regulations are adhered to.
During a debate in the Dutch Parliament yesterday on the visit of the ship to Ireland, the Justice Minister, Mr Albert Korthals, indicated that if the ship offered abortions to Irishwomen the Women on Waves group would face the rigour of Dutch law on their return.
The Minister for Health, Dr Els Borst, said she believes that Dr Rebecca Gomperts, the GP and freelance abortion doctor behind the project, does not intend to carry out any abortions on the ship when it visits Ireland. "She is aware of the very serious implications if abortions are carried out flying the Dutch flag without a permit in international waters and she has indicated that she will always follow the law," a spokesman for the Minister said. The Women on Waves group in the Netherlands said they did not foresee any trouble. The group's aim - to focus attention on women's right to abortion and to hold workshops and meetings on abortion and reproductive health in Ireland - had been overshadowed by media hype, spokeswoman Joke van Kampen said. Mr Korthal said that if abortions were carried out while flying the Dutch flag on a Dutch registered vessel, a criminal investigation would be mounted by the Dutch state prosecution service. Under Dutch law a permit from the health ministry is required for terminating pregnancies.
The Women on Waves foundation applied for the permit in advance of their planned world tour to countries where abortions will be carried out. But it could take months before a permit is granted, they concede.
Mr Korthal told the parliament that nothing could have been done judicially to stop the Women on Waves chartered abortion boat Aurora from leaving the Netherlands last Monday. Their ship is due in Dublin tomorrow.