Dr. Matthew Sadlier:

I will respond to three general questions asked by a number of speakers. On the issue of guidelines and legislation, we are more in favour of guidelines than legislation on technical-medical issues because, as has been noted before, medical evidence changes and guidelines will change more quicker than legislation. We do not want to end up in a position where medical evidence or procedures make something feasible but the law makes it illegal. That is the reason we would prefer guidelines to be developed by professional expert bodies, rather than having legislation in specific medical instances. This view is shared across all specialties.

Two speakers asked questions on the official position of the Irish Medical Organisation. At our recent annual general meeting, there was no change in the policy of the Irish Medical Organisation. A number of motions were proposed, all of which were defeated. As such, the policy remains as it has been since the last time a motion on this issue was approved. That motion, which was approved in 1993, states that the IMO endorses the principle of respect for all human life, born and unborn, and rejects abortion. That answers the question. Notwithstanding that, we are aware that we are democratic organisation operating in a democratic society. The laws of the land are made by referendum, the people and the Oireachtas and it is our job to represent our members within that legal framework. We will, therefore, engage on issues notwithstanding our own policy.

We welcome the fact that there is a provision for conscientious objectors and that doctors can object to engaging in this process and are not being forced to engage in a process to which they object, notwithstanding their obligations under the Medical Council ethical guidelines which Professor Murphy alluded to previously. If they agree to participate in this process, whatever morals and ethics they use to inform their decisions is a matter for them. Obviously, they are guided by the Medical Council guidelines and those of their own colleges and specialised information.