Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I was a member of the committee and my recollection is that the only discussion on the three days was when we had the Dutch delegation in. I do not think we had any real discussion among committee members as to whether it was a good idea. If it is to be there, I cannot see any practical reason for bringing the woman to the doctor twice. That is why I support either amendment No. 32 or amendment No. 33. Those relate to the three days starting when she first makes the arrangement. The purpose of the examination is for the medical practitioner, having examined the pregnant woman, to determine in good faith that the pregnancy concerned has not exceeded 12 weeks. There is no reason that the three days should be after the examination and that they should not start from when she first makes contact. I do not see any practical reason to bring her back twice. There are obviously economic and other practical reasons why going twice would cause difficulty. Deputy Kelleher spoke about where there are conscientious objections and one does not have many alternatives. That can be difficult because the woman may have to travel far from home. Assuming that there will be a three-day period, which seems to be what has been determined to happen, it seems to make sense to have it start at the time when the woman first contacts the doctor's surgery to make the arrangements.

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