Ms Maeve Taylor:

The law sets out the provision on conscientious objection, but medical ethics and the ethical guidelines of the Medical Council of Ireland are much more detailed and nuanced regarding the responsibility of providers. Part of that responsibility involves reflecting on the impact on the person presenting to them of the decisions they take. The provisions on conscientious objection are contained in the same section as the provisions on equality and social inclusion. One of the risks of focusing on the way conscientious objection is presented in the law is, as Ms Spillane highlighted, that there could be a situation like that in Italy whereby people categorise themselves and their medical students as objectors. It is not good enough that they would never think about that again as a doctor. There needs to be education and, as Ms Spillane noted, values clarification and further training for those who are not providing the service. Moreover, there need to be opportunities and a responsibility to reflect on the impact on women of non-provision. If a doctor is categorised at an early stage, he or she will have to decategorise himself or herself and there is a risk people will be locked into their decision.