Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank both of the witnesses for their presentations. I have two questions that touches on and builds on the kind of issues that have already been raised. I would like these matters to be teased out a little bit more.

It has been acknowledged that rogue agencies exist. How can we move forward to set a standard for crisis pregnancy counselling? Rogue agencies have done a disservice to the country in terms of having information providers that are unbiased and give positive experiences. Rogue agencies have left women in a fearful state. Women are afraid to reach out and ask for help and advice. We must ensure that women get the real advice and counselling that they deserve in that situation. I hope that the delegation can provide a description of how GPs are trained to give non-directive and impartial information to women. Please explain how the GP experience and training could be expanded to inform a national regulatory framework for pregnancy counselling to prevent rogue agencies from manipulating women.

In his presentation Dr. O'Shea described the approach taken by GPs when their patients experience a crisis pregnancy. I was heartened by the description. The approach is positive, professional and compassionate. I am concerned, despite the description of best practice, that does not mean that every woman gets support of such high quality from their GPs. Based on anecdotal evidence that I have heard over the years I want to know how can a best practice model be imbedded into the national GP network? How can we monitor whether the model has been adhered to? Is there a mechanism in place to monitor what women experience when they approach their GP with a crisis pregnancy?