Ms Jacinta Fay:

On whether there will be a considerable change to current practice, legislating for the X case will bring about abortion only in extremely narrow circumstances. We would have one of the most restrictive abortion regimes in the world. In all likelihood, if a woman does not believe she can have an abortion under these narrow circumstances, she will travel abroad to have one. Therefore, it is fairly likely that the same number of women will be going abroad to seek abortions as are going now. I do not foresee a very considerable change.

With regard to the register of doctors, our point was that many doctors would have expertise, but perhaps in a hospital with no relevant consultancy post. Therefore, they might have relevant expertise but might not be on the register. It may be the case in smaller hospitals that may not have as wide pool of experts as exists in bigger ones. It is a case of having as much access as possible. This was our recommendation.

The decrease in the number of teenage pregnancies and the number travelling to seek an abortion is reflected in increased access to information, contraception and sex education. We must realise that the only real solution and means of decreasing the number opting for an abortion is access to free contraception and sex education, and free safe and legal abortion in this country. That is really the only solution.

With regard to aftercare, we have already discussed how many general practitioners have said women did not go to their doctor on time or seek aftercare because of the stigma associated with abortion. Therefore, it is more a question of changing people's attitudes towards abortion and the stigma.

Counselling and support for those experiencing a crisis pregnancy were referred to. It is vital that a woman has all the support she needs to make the decision that is right for her. Any provisions we put in place to allow for additional care for women making that decision would be welcomed.