Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is one example of the potential future issue we are setting up ourselves to have to navigate.

On the phrase "clinically appropriate", there are concerns that have not been addressed. Is it to be interpreted case by case by individual doctors? Is "clinically appropriate" subject to clinical direction, and if so, what are the links between the clinical direction at the hospital and clinical direction from St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group? These are concerns because, as we have heard, it is not simply about what services might be available but also under which circumstances they will be available. Ireland has a very complicated history, at times determining, for example, that symphysiotomy was clinically advisable or, in other cases, allowing people to receive tubal ligation but only in certain circumstances.

The phrase "clinically necessary" was used earlier in regard to terminations that have taken place, but that is different from "clinically appropriate". Where will the latter phrase be determined and will it be done on a case-by-case basis by individual doctors or according to clinical direction? How will that be reviewed if concerning trends emerge? As I said, it is not simply about what is available but also when it is available. Abortion was available in Ireland prior to the repeal of the eighth amendment, but there had to be a determination as to the risk of death. These were the kinds of decisions that had to be made. People are rightly concerned, therefore, as to how "clinically appropriate" will be interpreted and that needs clarification. What is the link with St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group in this regard?