Dr. Meabh Ní Bhuinneáin:

I am not aware of the chill effect and legal precedence. In terms of delaying access for post-abortal care, the fears among vulnerable groups are not always about criminalisation. The fear is of social rejection, disclosure to family and friends and the consequences in their immediate community. The Deputy framed his question around whether the legislation would meet our requirements. With regard to the women and girls we serve, having no reason for termination up to 12 weeks will not meet the requirements of all the women and girls who are currently seeking termination of pregnancy. While the diagnosis of pregnancy is made early in most cases, there are still many women who may not reach the self-diagnosis of pregnancy until beyond 12 weeks, although that is becoming less frequent. With education and a comprehensive reproductive care package, in time the earlier diagnosis of pregnancy may occur, especially with younger women but not always with older women.