Dr. Gerard Burke:

I would like to respond to what Deputy Mathews said. The majority of obstetricians feel there is a problem about clarity with this. We need clarity about it. In our work, we set out to avoid a termination and to continue with the pregnancy. That is always our aim. A termination of pregnancy is a horrible outcome for all concerned, including the obstetrician. We are trying to make these very difficult decisions and to prolong the pregnancy as far as possible. The actual consultative process with the patient and the other medical doctors who are assisting her will be more open and less difficult - we will be more likely to arrive at the right decisions - if we have clarity and openness about the decision-making process. We feel vulnerable when dealing with marginal cases.