James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The obstetrician will be there not to assess the level of suicidality in a woman or the risk of suicidal intent, he or she will be present to vindicate the rights of the unborn. This follows directly from Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution and it is why the legislation is called the "Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill". It is not the protection of maternal life during pregnancy Bill, as others would like it to be called. The legislation is about protecting life on both sides and upholding the equal right to life of women and the unborn, with the full understanding that if one loses the mother, then one loses the child. In such circumstances, it is made very clear in the legislation that this can be the only action or treatment which can avert the risk to a woman's life.