Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have three brief questions. I ask for clarification from Dr. O'Grady about his earlier evidence. My understanding is that suicidal ideation in pregnancy peaks in or around the end of the first trimester. If that is the case, would a delay in a decision not lead to a greater number of medical terminations rather than surgical terminations, as stated in the evidence given to the committee on Friday by the obstetricians?

The case has been well made this afternoon about psychiatrists and GPs making the decision but that the obstetrician would not be involved. Under head 4 the definition of reasonable opinion specifically states that consideration must be given to the need to preserve the life of the unborn where practicable. I ask Dr. O'Grady to clarify how this can be done if an obstetrician is not involved.

What happens in the case of a woman who does not have a mental illness whose suicidality is based on the fact that she is pregnant with a baby with a very serious foetal abnormality? The decision, naturally enough at that stage, would be quite close to the threshold of viability. What happens in that case? Would it not be the case that there is a far greater frequency than one in a thousand in that cohort? How do we deal with the practical aspects of such a case? Sadly, this legislation means that such genuine cases will come before each of the doctors in the not too distant future.