Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their excellent presentations. I agree with the legal analysis offered and Dr. Mills' characterisation of the debate as three-sided. It is useful to note that research on the experience of women in Ireland who have had abortions, for example, by Dr. Ruth Fletcher, shows they feel disengaged and alienated from a debate that is unduly polarised. It is notable that we will not hear from GPs as a body in the course of these hearings, or from women who have identified themselves as having had abortions. The voices of these women have been largely absent from much of the debate.

In terms of legislation, it is very helpful to have Dr. Mills's template, for which I thank him.