Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This morning, some Members have welcomed the new abortion legislation, but I cannot share that welcome. I do not believe it is good legislation, nor that there is any evidence to show it is good for women. I do not believe it is good for society and it is certainly not good for the innocent baby whose life will be ended and who will not be given the opportunity to realise his or her full potential. I have always felt that human life is sacrosanct, that it is a human right and that this is a basic tenet of any civilised society. Once we breach that tenet, we enter unknown territory which will impact on other aspects of respect for life. I suppose we all hope there is still a chance to pull back and that perhaps in the health committee some sense will come forward to show that we are not really helping to solve the problems that have brought about this legislation.

I have made the point here from the very beginning of this traumatic debate that we should of course be respectful of other people's opinions. I have always endeavoured to be so. It is also right that we have the opportunity and the courage to express our own views. We should not feel in any way intimidated in expressing those views. I hope I am one of the many who will speak for those who have no voice of their own at the moment. I hope this will be kept in mind as this debate continues to develop.