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

Following on from Senator Bacik's question to Dr. McDonagh, I ask her to elaborate on that because my understanding of head 19 is that it specifically prohibits the intentional destruction of the unborn. I ask her to clarify that for me.

I read with interest Dr. Fletcher's contribution and thank her for appearing before the committee because it opens up an issue that needs to be debated. She referenced the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in her paper and the threshold of the 24 weeks gestation. As she is aware, there was a case in the United States in which Amelia Taylor was born just short of 22 weeks gestation. In those extreme circumstances would that neonate have less legal protection if we introduce a definition along the lines she is talking about?

In that regard, at the other end of the scale and following on from the question Deputy Catherine Byrne asked, which is a valid question, Dr. Fletcher made the point that a person's ability to reflect on life over time and make their own moral choices. We all accept that but someone with Alzheimer's disease, for example, would fall into that category where they cannot reflect on their own life or make their own moral choices. How do we deal with the ethical issues that raises?