Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank the witnesses for their attendance and presentations. I have a few questions for them. In the event of a later stage termination being carried out under head 4 at 24 weeks where there is a known high risk of disability and where the child is born disabled as a result, will the State, the HSE or the doctors be liable if the child or either parent subsequently takes a civil action? In the event of a later stage termination being carried out under the legislation and where the child lives, who will be responsible under the law for the subsequent care of the child? In a case where a woman has undergone an abortion under head 4, the risk of suicide, and where she subsequently regrets this action and suffers a psychiatric illness, will the State, the HSE or the doctors be liable if the woman takes a civil action on the basis she was not competent to make such a life-changing decision at the time? In the event of a later stage termination being carried out under the legislation and where the child lives, will the biological father be liable for the costs in bringing up a child or will the mother be similarly liable? If the taking of civil litigation by either a surviving child or mother is possible, what records will be available under the proposed legislation to assist a court in making a judgment? In the event of a later stage termination being carried out under the legislation and where a child lives and if the biological father or a biological family member wishes to take over the care of the child, will this be permitted or will the mother be given complete control over the fate of her baby? In the event of a woman presenting with suicidal ideation because of the baby's gender, under head 4 will she be entitled to an abortion? Finally, is there any evidence to suggest that abortion is good for women?