Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution

Risks to Mental Health: Dr. Anthony McCarthy, National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street

1:30 pm

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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There was no evidence for the suicides. It was remarked that threat could be grounds for abortion. Roughly, I believe, seven lives have been lost, seven too many as far as I am concerned, on the alleged threat of suicide. The floodgates did not open to use Dr. McCarthy's own words. On whether the abortion happens here or abroad, it was put to the witness that in Ireland the much lower rate suggests the law has a protection effect. Does he accept that?