Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

It is 4% or 5%. While I was growing up, there was a myth, which I am sure the witnesses have heard, that no one could become pregnant as a result of rape. It is not that long ago since these myths still existed.

How many rape victims would be likely to be able to access their right to an abortion if a rape ground was introduced with some burden of proof? According to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's stats, only 42% ever speak to anyone at all, never mind reporting to the Garda or another official agency. Immediately, a large number would not have access. What are the barriers to people reporting generally? Is it not the case that many rape victims, particularly young people, can be abused over years before telling anyone?

Mr. O'Malley referred to international research. From my examination, it is impossible to access an abortion anywhere that just has a rape ground and little else. In one eight-year period, a state in Mexico did not grant any applications for abortion. In Poland, where the legislation is similar to the eighth amendment but with a rape ground, it is difficult for anyone to access abortion. As such, we know the answer to this question already. We have the proof from other countries. Perhaps the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has more information on this through its networks, but the only way that people seem to be able to access abortion is upon request from the person herself up to the first trimester or, if there are additional health grounds, later.

We already have the concept of deserving and undeserving abortions, but would be get into having deserving and undeserving rapes if we use a rape ground? There has been much commentary in society of late about how the victim should not have been there and asking why she was in that hotel room, walked home on her own, was drunk, etc. One could see how some might say that one woman deserves an abortion while another does not. Is this something that the witnesses would fear?