Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I have a question for Dr. Mills. I have studied his proposed draft Bill. I ask him to clarify for this committee and also for the audience who are listening if he can guarantee that the floodgates will not be opened by his proposed Bill. Will it allow the floodgates to open? Will it allow women to get abortions by giving the excuse that they want an abortion because of suicide? That is a significant argument among the general public. It is a view among the public that once some legislation is enacted this will open the floodgates, that women will go to the courts and abortions will be permitted two or three years down the line. That is the real worry for the public. If Dr. Mills can nail that view for me, I would be very appreciative.