Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their clarity. Dr. Mahony referred to the legal uncertainty in the narrow, rare situations in which mothers' lives may be saved by terminations. We must frame legislation. What should be the parameters of this space, the narrow, rare situation that Dr. Mahony described, and how might we describe it in legislation in a way that would be helpful to medics?

Dr. Mahony stated that the mother's view mattered and should be taken into account in interpreting risk. These hearings will not hear from any mother who has been in this situation in Ireland or other jurisdictions and who had been advised to undergo an abortion. Should their views form part of these deliberations?

I was struck by Dr. Mahony's statement that her hospital never kills a foetus. Sometimes, babies in other countries are born alive after abortion procedures. What would be an appropriate response to this issue in the proposed legislation and is there a duty of care in such situations?

Dr. Coulter Smith mentioned that there had been six terminations to save women's lives within the past year. Senator Crown also mentioned this fact, but I am not clear on the answer. Is Dr. Coulter Smith aware of any instance in the Republic of medical treatment being withheld on the grounds of a lack of legal clarity? Is it possible that such an instance might not have been reported because of that lack?