Dr. Joanne Fenton:

The proposed legislation is very restrictive and with regard to my role as a perinatal psychiatrist, I would not be intending to abuse it. I think Dr. McCarthy has discussed that further. With regard to a lady 20 weeks pregnant who is suicidal, that consultation would be done with the individual and again with the obstetricians. I would discuss it clearly in depth with them.

With regard to having been contacted by the Department of Health, I have not been contacted by them. I was consulted with regard to our written submission today. Our role - certainly my role as a perinatal psychiatrist - in looking after pregnant women who present with mental health issues is not just to look after the woman. I am looking after the woman and the life of the unborn child. That is my role and that is certainly not ignored by my colleagues and me.