Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their very informative presentations. I have some specific questions aimed at ensuring women have access to effective procedures, whereby their constitutional right to life could be vindicated in the very rare cases we are discussing, as we have all said. There is a proposal to merge heads 2 and 4 which makes sense. Is the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggesting two obstetricians should certify risk, as well as an additional doctor in the case of a physical risk, or an additional two psychiatrists in the case of risk of suicide? That seems unduly cumbersome and would render the process less accessible and effective for women. I believe Professor McAuliffe said the second opinion would be more informal rather than formal extra certification or examination.

The Irish Medical Council and the Irish Medical Organisation suggest the requirement that psychiatrists be attached to specific institutions is too restrictive. Particularly in the specialist maternity hospitals in Dublin which will not have large psychiatric departments attached, is it practical to ask that psychiatrists be attached to specific places or should it be a more general point that they should be consultant psychiatrists? What exactly do they mean?

Heads 6, 7 and 8 provide for a review procedure. The IMO and the ICGP have raised some very practical and important points about access for a woman to a review and the obstacles that might apply. Do they believe the time limit is unduly onerous? The IMO's submission points out that a 14 day delay - seven days and seven days - may be provided for and suggests a six day delay - three days and three days - might be better.

I do not believe any of the witnesses addressed head 1 on the definition of the unborn. Do they believe that definition should include a non-viable foetus - a foetus with no prospect of life - where, for example, the foetal heartbeat has stopped? In these circumstances should an obstetrician be legally permitted to deliver the foetus where there is no longer the prospect of life beyond the womb?