Ms Marie O'Shea:

I suppose one always has to tread with a little of caution here. I do not recommend that the contract with the GPs be changed. That provides the three visits. The first visit is to time the pregnancy and to take informal consent. The second visit is for the administration of the medication. Then maybe people need time. GPs refer to situations where they are taking consent from people. This involves seeing whether the person has given due consideration to the decision. GPs are able to recognise that and recognise hesitancy, and in those circumstances they do recommend that people have a reflection period. To have a reflection or to have the option of having a reflection period is very important. It is very important that the GP contract would not change in that regard, but I do not believe it should be mandatory.