Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A press release yesterday, 12 December, from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists welcomed new figures that showed that Ireland was one of the safest places in the world in which to have a baby. A maternal death rate of 6.5 per 100,000, or one in every 15,301, is extremely low compared with a rate of 8.8 per 100,000 in the United Kingdom and 26.7 per 100,000 in the United States. Figures published by Maternal Death Enquiry Ireland show that maternal deaths in Ireland are extremely rare and that the rate is marginally ahead of rates in the United Kingdom. The data also show that 66% of maternal deaths were due to a pre-existing health condition, with heart disease being the leading cause of death. Dr. Peter Boylan, chairperson of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who came before the committee, stated:

These figures should offer reassurance about the high level of maternal care and the safety of the Irish maternity services for women and babies. A maternal death rate of 6.5 per 100,000 or 1 in every 15,301 is extremely low and compares with a rate of 8.8 per 100,000 in the UK and a rate of 26.7 per 100,000 in the US.

As I have said all along, Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world in which to have a baby, as confirmed by Dr. Boylan. I will not support anything that will not retain Article 40.3.3°. I will be supporting Deputy Mattie McGrath's proposal that the committee recommend that the article be retained.