Mr. David Manley:

I will be as brief as possible in making clear the distinction between a necessary medical intervention for a woman who faces a serious risk to her life where the child dies and what is commonly called an abortion. There is a huge difference between the 30 cases that occurred in Irish maternity hospitals and what takes place in an abortion clinic in London.

The intention of the abortionist is simple. It is to kill the child. The intention of an obstetrician in a maternity hospital is to save the life of the mother and, if at all possible, the life of the child. The intervention of the obstetrician in a maternity hospital is necessary. If nothing is done, the woman may die. The intervention has to be quick, accurate and effective. In the case of the abortionist, an elective abortion is something that is not necessary. It is chosen, sought and paid for. An obstetrician will treat the ill mother for certain ailments, such as heart trouble or cancer. That is the same type of treatment given to a woman who is not pregnant.

If the woman has cancer of the womb, whether she is pregnant or not, the same type of treatment will be given. The abortionist in London will not give the treatment that he gives to the pregnant woman to a non-pregnant woman. It does not make sense. One is dealing morally, and it should be legally, with two very different things. I hope, if there is legislation, that this is made quite clear.