Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

However, this debate is not about introducing or stopping the introduction of abortion in Ireland. If only it were that simple. Women in Ireland are having abortions. Let none of us make them faceless and nameless. They live in Senators' counties and towns and are possibly members of their families. Abortion is here, so how will we make it safe?

People talk about certainty. There is much certainty in voting "No" because nothing will change. If the electorate votes "No", we will not be able to do anything for a rape victim, nor a parent carrying a much loved and wanted child - despite what some ignorantly say - who has a fatal foetal abnormality. We will not be able to do anything about abortion pills. We will not be able to address the concerns of the masters of our maternity hospitals or the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the people one would trust to deliver one's baby or that of one's wife. There is certainty in a "No" vote. It is for the people of Ireland to decide if that is the certainty they want and I will respect whatever decision they make in that regard. Even though his colleagues have a different view from mine on the eighth amendment, I welcome the view by a Senator that we are announcing the most holistic and comprehensive package of supports for our maternity services and women in crisis pregnancy in recent times, if not ever.