Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. This would address the complexity involved in defining that particular issue which was identified during the committee hearings. Further, this would be without restriction, so no reason would be required up to 12 weeks. We also provide that this would be a GP-led service. We heard evidence that many women and young girls are taking abortive pills that are purchased online through the Internet. They are delivered by An Post to this country and consumed to carry out a termination. This happens without any health or GP oversight.

Having listened to the evidence of the Irish College of General Practitioners and others I think it is important that there would be some medical oversight that would ensure there was quality control in other words and that where women or girls procure a termination by abortive pills it would be donein their best interests. That is the purpose of the amendment and I hope it gets broad support.