Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I will begin by noting that the British Pregnancy Advisory Service's representative has circulated a letter to the committee today which states that in 2016, 125 babies were aborted in British Pregnancy Advisory Service clinics because they were diagnosed with Down's syndrome. I want to record my shock and sadness at the fact that 125 babies lost their lives because they were diagnosed with this condition. There is no doubt that babies with Down's syndrome are at increased risk if we repeal the eighth amendment. I note also that the British Pregnancy Advisory Service's representative forwarded her organisation's guide to termination in the case of foetal abnormality. This is a document which is designed to explain to women what they can expect during and after an abortion procedure. I am very concerned that some of the serious side effects of abortions have not been fully discussed at this committee.

For example, the guide states that during an abortion carried out at up to 12 weeks, the following are significant, unavoidable or frequently occurring risks, which the guide states may have serious long-term health effects: psychological problems; continuing pregnancy, in other words, a botched abortion whereby the woman remains pregnant afterwards; perforation of the uterus; haemorrhaging; very heavy bleeding; injuries to bowels, bladder or serious injuries to the cervix; and death in some cases. The guide also mentions extra procedures that may be needed after the abortion, including a repeat abortion in cases where the first attempt was not successful; blood transfusions; and repair of damage to organs or haemorrhaging.

The role of this committee is to carry out a thorough investigation on abortion, and then to advise on how best to proceed in the best interests of women's health and safety. What I have read out are side effects of abortions which are listed in the British Pregnancy Advisory Service's literature. They are very serious side effects, which are described as unavoidable. They did not get a proper airing when the British Pregnancy Advisory Service representative was before us. I am not trying to impugn her testimony in any way, but I am very concerned at the risk to women's health from abortions, which has been totally brushed under the carpet. I have not, and will not, make false claims. I am simply stating facts to which many of those looking for repeal turn a blind eye, and do everything to avoid talking about. This is a scandal which we should not stand over. I joined this committee because I want to see families and babies being given the best support in this country. During these committee hearings, I have listened in good faith to testimonies that were given by each of the speakers, but I have to say that I am very disappointed with the way the way this issue has been dealt with.

We know that women face unplanned pregnancy in Ireland, but we have not addressed any real way to provide life-saving alternatives to abortion. This was not done at the Citizens' Assembly and it did not happen at this committee either. I tried to raise the issue of adoption in the course of discussion, only to have that suggestion shut down. We all know people who are adopted and of the happiness they have brought to their families. We should be working in this committee to improve the adoption process in Ireland, and this was completely ignored in favour of focusing entirely on abortion.

I am also concerned about some of the groups invited to this committee, which were described as impartial experts. When their attendance was announced, I decided to hear them out in good faith, but it became very evident on further inspection that they were only prepared to offer one side of the argument. To give just one example, it became clear in the course of the hearing that the Centre for Reproductive Rights is running a fundraising campaign abroad to repeal the eighth amendment in Ireland. It should not have been invited as impartial expert. After all the talk of inviting pro-life groups, it turned out that only five pro-life groups were invited, compared to 27 or 28 pro-repeal groups. That is why we are making a decision on abortion without any information on serious consequences of abortion, which are being ignored for political reasons. It is also why we have not heard about all the lives saved by the eighth amendment. Liz McDermott was here two weeks ago, but it was not to talk about her personal experience, it was to talk about the lives saved by the eighth amendment. They have been completely ignored.

Since this committee started, I have become aware of many people who, and organisations which, are able to speak about the life-saving effects of the eighth amendment, but they are not prepared to come before the committee since it already voted not to retain the eighth amendment in full. I understand this because as they see it, the committee has already made its decision. If we are not going to retain the eighth amendment in full, then we will have to have a referendum, so in reality the vote we have taken means that there is no going back for this committee.

I feel the vote we took has prevented us from doing our work properly. It meant that when it became clear that more pro-life speakers were needed, they did not see any point in coming in because the vote had already been taken. I want to live in a country where women and their babies are protected and cared for. I want babies with Down's syndrome and other disabilities to receive the same legal protection as everybody else in this room. Families who find out that babies may not have long to live should be supported and encouraged to spend as long as possible with them, with the highest standard of prenatal hospital care.

Ireland, with the eighth amendment, provides this kind of protection and care. Women in this country already receive whatever treatment they need while pregnant. The difference is that doctors in Ireland do their best to protect and safeguard the unborn baby too. If we repeal the eighth amendment and introduce abortion, we will be creating an Ireland of second-class citizens, where some babies are given the right to life and some are not. This will be completely opposite to the modern, inclusive and equal society that we all want to live in. Discriminating against babies in the womb, and endangering their mothers in an abortion procedure, is not something I can support.

I want to conclude by registering my disappointment at the way this committee has conducted its business on such an issue of vital importance to the country and its people. Thank you.