Professor Kieran Murphy:

With regard, first, to Senator van Turnhout’s question, I am very pleased that she agrees with the Medical Council position that heads 2 and 4 should be merged. As Professor McAuliffe has outlined, that is also the position of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

On Senator van Turnhout’s question on the difference between a registered practitioner and a non-registered practitioner, the Medical Practitioners Act, which regulates the profession, specifies that all doctors have to be registered. If one practises in this country and one is not registered, it is a criminal offence. It is very important for the legislation that it makes reference to the fact that all doctors working in this country must be registered.

To reply to Senator van Turnhout’s question on conscientious objection, the Medical Council guidance on conscientious objection, item 10.2, specifically says that one must explain to the patient if one has a conscientious objection and make the names of other doctors available to them. This is an important provision because it protects the woman and ensures that she is able to access the most appropriate treatment for her. Care should not be dependent on any moral value the practitioner might hold.