Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Having listened to all of the contributions, I understand both points of view. However, there are other unintended consequences. If the opinion is that the baby is likely to survive beyond 28 days but only for 30 or 31 days, we do not want to force women to look for a review of such a decision as permitted by the legislation. If a doctor says his or her opinion is that a fatal foetal abnormality is present but the survival period is likely to exceed the 28 days, it is open to the woman to seek a review. We do not want to re-traumatise women either by making them look for reviews of these decisions. While I understand the need for some sort of timeframe, I do not know that primary legislation is the best place for it. While the Minister needs some sort of guidelines, guidelines should be in guidelines not primary legislation.