Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Monday, 20 May 2013
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
Heads of Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013: Public Hearings (Resumed)
11:50 am
Dr. Joanne Fenton:
I will answer the question on my written submission and the research to which Dr. McCarthy referred. It would be impossible for us to carry out a study of women who were suicidal and obtained abortions and those who did not. When a woman presents to me with suicidal ideation, I assess her and provide the best possible care and evaluation. I am not waiting for the paper to come up. I will assess the lady to the best of my ability and, in consultation with another psychiatrist and obstetrician, make a decision in the interest of the health of the woman and the unborn child.
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