Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me hark back to the issue of the patients, the women. In the absence of legislation, to what extent can women or girls who are pregnant, under whatever circumstances, be reassured that they will be treated equally and fairly? In the event of legislation, would there not be an obligation on all practitioners, at all levels, to ensure each case was treated in accordance with that legislation?

With regard to the reference to the opening of the floodgates, reference was made to UK statistics. What about the statistics for Northern Ireland? To what extent are they available to those who wish to pursue the argument in question?

Consider the number of women who have died in pregnancy, in whatever circumstances, over the past 25 or 30 years. Professor Casey stated the number was very small. Could this be clarified? Other Members of the Houses will have knowledge of some of these cases.

How does the panel suggest pregnant women or girls may best be reassured, particularly where there might have to be a debate among a number of people, including medical and legal practitioners, or others, on the proper procedure in given circumstances? What is the right way to go about that? Can the panel give us an opinion that would reassure women in the circumstances in question?