Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Beidh mé ag labhairt ar leasú Uimh. 44.

I reiterate what has already been said. This is a very reasonable amendment. It is about giving choice and opportunity. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody or on any woman in a distressed situation. The woman who comes in in an emergency situation is exempt from this. We simply wish to make the point that the importance of ultrasounds for determining the gestational age of the unborn child and for protecting the life or health of the woman who is undergoing an abortion cannot be overstated, particularly in circumstances where there are concerns about the dating in the pregnancy. There was much discussion on that element through the committee and so on. It seems very reasonable that we would have this amendment provided for. It also would relate to cases of ectopic pregnancy, as has been pointed out.

We have heard here already that the Amárach survey findings published last month show that 79% of adults agree with offering this choice to women on seeing an ultrasound. I do not think that survey result should be discarded or ignored. The results of it need to be respected. We cannot just decide to go with something as we please. The results of that survey are plain to see. Contrary to the false reporting that has taken place on this matter, the amendment does not oblige or force a pregnant woman to view any ultrasound image or to receive any other information relating to the imaging and monitoring performed. The amendment in no way restricts women's access, as we have pointed out on a number of occasions. I feel it is worthwhile repeating this point to ensure it is not misrepresented in the media. That point has been made over and over tonight and hopefully it will be conveyed very clearly. As we have stated, a woman is of course entitled to see the ultrasound and not supporting this amendment means not supporting a woman's entitlement. We have heard so much about the right of a woman to information and all the rest of it and why not? I cannot see why the Minister would go against such a reasonable amendment. It is interesting that the only way to manufacture any controversy about this amendment was by false reporting, which I found very offensive as a woman. It was mentioned that we were forcing women to view ultrasounds and I find that very offensive.

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