Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. I note that, in his submission, Professor Malone advocates neither a pro-choice nor pro-life agenda but he wants very strongly to call for abortion to be made available where babies have a disability. I note that he stated very clearly that no specific disabilities should be excluded from that list. He called for the decriminalisation of abortion where babies have foetal abnormalities. At the top of page seven of his opening statement, he suggests that the committee should consider decriminalisation of pregnancy termination in a setting of foetal abnormality. This is a disability where the baby is necessarily likely to die. I think Professor Malone made his position very clear here today and what that actually would mean, and I note that he referred to having the facilities available in Ireland in order that patients can access care.

It is clear that what is meant by "care" is a procedure that would lead to the ending of a baby's life and I appreciate the honesty of the witness. Nevertheless, I find it very disturbing and I point out that families in very vulnerable positions place their trust in doctors. I note the witness referred to the sensitivity that doctors are obliged to have in dealing with families. I do not doubt he knows that. I know families which have found themselves in very vulnerable positions and any word from a doctor is treated with the utmost seriousness and can influence a decision. I find it disturbing that the witness refers to the abortion procedure as "care" as it is certainly not care.