Ms Janice Donlon:

If the question is whether we would in any way encourage any sort of directive in the provision of information and on how options are presented to the woman, taking away our position, if we look at good counselling practice, it would ensure that the woman is seen as an individual who is able to have self-determination around her options. She is seen in a non-judgmental and non-directive way in relation to the provision of information. That is how the counselling services operate, and it is good counselling practice to operate in that manner. The individual is coming to the counsellor in a crisis. She is confused, unsure as to what her options are, and unsure as to what option she may ultimately decide upon. She ultimately needs that time, space and reflection to consider all of her options.