Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Chairman. I thank Ms Donlon for coming to the committee today and for her presentation.

My first question relates to the HSE crisis pregnancy website. It states that it has three mandates, one of which is "A reduction in the number of women with crisis pregnancies who opt for abortion by offering services and support which make other options more attractive". I am a little bit confused because page 2 of Ms Donlon's presentation says that the HSE services are to be provided in a non-directive, non-judgmental and client-centred manner. If a woman feels that her needs are best met by an abortion what are these other options that the HSE mentions on its website? Is this a case of directive counselling to the woman to continue with the pregnancy or are there other options we are unaware of? Perhaps Ms Donlon will elaborate on these because it appears to me to be contradictory with regard to the HSE website and what Ms Donlon has said here. I can see only two options available for women in those circumstances.