Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Friday, 17 May 2013
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
Heads of Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013: Public Hearings
10:20 am
Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source
Under head 1 on interpretation of reasonable opinion, why does it not also include for the life of the pregnant woman? If it were, it would give more of the equal esteem that is in Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution.
Regarding heads 2 and 4, is there a reason there is no clause requiring consultation with the pregnant woman? We are ensuring consultations are taking place but not actually with the pregnant woman.
Under head 4 also, is there a reason there is not a clear and reasonable time limit for a decision, given the physical and mental strain under which the pregnant woman might be? There should be a statutory requirement for the assessment, which I would suggest should be seven days. I have similar concerns regarding head 6.
Regarding head 19 and the scope of offence, I believe it is a broad scope of an offence for the criminalisation of any act with the intent to destroy human life. Has the Minister considered being more clear and precise about the activities that would be subject to criminal proceedings?
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