Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Chairman. As we come to the end of the first day of hearings, we can be reassured about the very great degree of confidence in the quality of our maternal health care. In fact, Professor Greene started by talking about women availing of the very high level of health care on offer in this country. I welcome the statement of the obstetricians and gynaecologists that outcomes and maternal health care here compare favourably with best international comparators.

I have a question for the obstetricians about the duty of care. Do they think the current two patient model is one we should try to preserve and that there should be a duty of care to the baby in any legislation introduced? Second, with regard to legislation, a number of the groups have made the point that they are anxious that the 1861 Act be repealed. If it is repealed, should there be sanctions in certain circumstances for illegal abortions?

Will the IFPA representatives identify circumstances which occur in the other countries they mentioned where they would disallow abortion or would they allow it in all circumstances? Do they consider that the unborn child is entitled to protection within the system and the legislative framework? I believe I understood Mr. Behan correctly when he said doctors were prevented from giving women the best care. That flies in the face of everything we have heard this evening and previously. Would he like to reconsider this in the context of these comments or will he give us evidence based, not opinion based, reasons if he does not resile from that position?

Dr. Sam Coulter Smith, an eminent obstetrician who appeared before the committee earlier, said such practices could put women's lives at risk. He was referring to the investigation currently underway with regard to Mr. Behan's association. Would he like to take the opportunity to clarify the matter and make an appropriate statement on it?