Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One could argue that in 20 years time many of us will regret supporting or rejecting the Bill. We could look back and feel guilty or somewhat foolish. As legislators, it is our responsibility to reconcile both sides of this debate. The rhetoric that has been deployed by some people in this debate has been somewhat dishonest.

It is not a fair representation when an opinion poll asks if one supports legislation to protect the life of the mother during pregnancy and then presents its results as being indicative as full support for the legislation. Of course, one is going to support that legislation. When it asks if it is important that medical professionals have clear guidelines and legal clarity around the circumstances in which an intervention to save a woman’s life which would result in the unintended death of an unborn baby, one would have to question what the answer would be. When it asks if one supports legislation that allows for an abortion in the case of suicidal ideation, knowing that in every jurisdiction it has been introduced it has led to abortion on demand, what would the answer be? When it asks if one supports legislation that allows for an abortion up until the final week of pregnancy, what would the answer be?

We all approach the House with very good intentions. I have grave concerns about the lack of time limits in this legislation. We are in a dangerous place with respect to the notion the State would take any hand, act or part in the precipitation of the conclusion of a pregnancy of a woman where a baby would be born prematurely. We would not be in a position to assess the human rights concerns for that baby with respect to disability, pain or the State’s role with respect to the late development of that child.

I appreciate it is a sensitive issue. In that respect, I will be pressing my amendment No. 57. I would be grateful if the Minister could take my concerns on board. I have been moved by the quality of the debate tonight. It has been the most honest debate on legislation over the past three years. It has been a difficult position for many of us. Will the Minister carefully consider my amendment?

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