Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses.

At the outset, I wish to make some observations and pose questions. Dr. Coulter Smith pointed out that he is concerned about the increased demand on maternity services. He earlier stated that they are demand-led and that he was concerned that legislation would result in additional pressure on maternity services. My question is in the context of the quoted figure of between nine and 11 maternal deaths per 100,000 per year. Where does Dr. Coulter Smith see the increase in pressure on the maternity services in the event of legislation and regulation to facilitate terminations, in view of the fact that these are very extreme cases and that they would be within the parameters of Article 40.3.3° and the X case? I am a little confused on that issue.

On the issue of suicide ideation and suicidal tendencies, it has been argued that they would apply in very limited circumstances and that some consultants never encountered a case in which suicide was contemplated because of pregnancy. Other people take different views but it is important to have regard for the witnesses' opinions as eminent obstetricians.

The issue of conscientious objection has been raised on several occasions. Should the conscientious objection of an obstetrician or gynaecologist to carrying out a termination be made public before an individual decides to employ his or her services? This is an important matter to clarify because people may have different views on whether a patient should be informed at the point of deciding to use a particular consultant or hospital. In the event of legislation being passed, should those with a conscientious objection be obliged to inform their employers when taking up positions? If, as the Medical Council has stated, patients come first, should they not be entitled to such information?