Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated previously, there are sincerely held views on both sides of the argument, including in this House, and we need to respect them on such an emotive and personal issue. For that reason, from my experience, the focus of the "Yes" campaign has been on trying to provide people with facts, ensuring doctors are listened to and addressing the challenge the country faces in this matter. Nobody is pro-abortion. What we are trying to do is reduce the number of crisis pregnancies and, insofar as possible, the need for conversations on the termination of pregnancy. A number of initiatives were launched yesterday to reinforce this message, including on education and making contraception free and easy to access. The country is also having a conversation on how Ireland should deal with circumstances in which a decision is made to terminate a pregnancy. For example, what protocols and processes will be in place and how can we wrap the health system around such decisions in a way that is supportive and offers alternatives and facts? We will insist on time being taken for full consideration of all of the issues surrounding a decision of the magnitude of terminating a pregnancy. As I stated, if the country gives the Houses an opportunity to legislate on these issues, we can put in place a much more compassionate and appropriate legal structure than the one in place because of the restrictions in the Constitution.

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