Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are talking about smaller maternity units, but I presume a lot of the complicated pregnancies would be referred to the larger hospitals. Was there ever a time when a woman had to be referred to England for a termination because the professionals were unsure, because of a lack of clarity in the law, about continuing treatment or intervening to save her life where there was not an immediate substantial risk but a potential risk if she did not receive treatment?

I refer to the broader issue of resources. I know it is not part of the heads of the Bill, but it is critical if we are passing legislation which will immediately, or potentially, overburden maternity services. Dr. Sam Coulter-Smith feels the legislation, as is, could potentially overburden maternity services. Do the witnesses have concerns about this happening in the smaller maternity units throughout the country as a result of the legislation as it is constructed?