Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the psychiatrists who have presented to us. I have two questions for them. First, it was stated almost universally by the witnesses that none of them has experienced the type of case for which we are seeking to provide. Therefore, when we try to dig down we are at a bit of a loss, at least from our perspective. However, we have the experience of the X case. Do the witnesses believe the evidence presented in the X case would have been sufficient to justify a termination under this draft Bill? It is a case in point that is not mentioned.

Dr. Fenton stated in her address that she has not encountered any woman who required a termination of pregnancy as part of her mental illness treatment. However, she did not rule out there ever being such a case. I presume that best practice is in general based on clinical research. At what point would Dr. Fenton believe that would be a safe decision to make? Would it be at the point when there is clinical research to support such a decision or when suddenly a need arises? I do not mean to be over-simplistic. While the witnesses are the experts we are also looking to other jurisdictions. We are told there may be a limit or certain perspective on the evidence available here because we currently we do not have an abortion regime, except in respect of the X case, which is more vague. Could fears be allayed by the insertion, as is the case with the Medical Council guidelines, into the Bill that due regard be given to clinical research in the area of psychiatry? I find it difficult to understand how, never having encountered such a case, psychiatrists could suddenly find themselves able to deal with such a situation. I respect that it may happen but when it does would there not be a requirement to look to best practice, including in other jurisdictions if not available here, or would they wait until there is clinical research to show such a step would be required?