Dr. Peter Boylan:

From the point of view of the board, if the term "clinically appropriate" is not defined then it is open to the board to interpret what it means because the master reports to the board and the master is directed by the board when it comes to policy. That rarely causes any problems whatsoever. I had a problem when I was introducing sterilisation, though we sorted it out. As I said, the composition of the board has three separate groups of three nominees. The three from the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group are committed to upholding the values and vision of Mother Mary Frances Aikenhead, which are undoubtedly Catholic. If you have a conservative Minister for Health who appoints three people who are conservative they may well define "clinically appropriate" in a way which restricts the access of women to healthcare that they are perfectly entitled to. The term "clinically appropriate" allows for a qualification or a jump that must be made in order for women to access care, which is legal but which may not be interpreted as clinically appropriate by the board, and you may well get a conservative master as well.