Dr. Sam Coulter Smith:

As regards mental health issues in pregnancy and following pregnancy, it was stated earlier that the incidence of mental health issues in pregnancy is approximately 10% to 15%. The risk of suicide in pregnancy is extraordinarily low. We all know that women can suffer from post-natal depression and that the risk of suicide remains following pregnancy. It is my belief that the risk of suicide can increase a little post natally. However, that is an issue which the committee can explore later in more detail with our psychiatric colleagues.

On the question in relation to a specific case of cancer, each case of cancer is dealt with on its own merits. Each person would have a particular set of circumstances, be it a person who has previously had cancer, gone into remission and later become pregnant. One must deal with each situation as it arises and provide the most appropriate treatment for the patient at that time.

In terms of the assessment of risk in the emergency and non-emergency situations, it is my understanding that the institute has suggested that there should be two obstetricians and one person of the appropriate specialty involved in the decision as to whether a patient requires to have a pregnancy interrupted. Where a mental health issue arises, such a person would be a psychiatrist and in a cardiac case it would be a team of cardiologists. The decision would involve input from obstetricians and the other specialty.