Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 December 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution

Completion of the Examination of the Report and Recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly and Preparation of a Draft Report in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the Joint Committee

2:00 pm

Photo of Lisa ChambersLisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I have a difficulty with how the motion is worded. I have a formal proposal to make. I do not agree that a single motion should deal with both life and health. The committee has received evidence stating that simply being pregnant creates a risk to one's health, so it is important that we have the correct wording. I would like to see the phrase "substantial risk to health" used.

My formal proposal is that motion 3 be subdivided into parts A and B, with part A reading: "That the committee recommends that termination of pregnancy be lawful where the life of the mother is at risk." It takes into account the existence of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 and that this issue is catered for. It is why a formal proposal on that ground was not submitted on behalf of Deputy Kelleher, Senator O'Sullivan and me.

Part B would read: "That the committee recommends the termination of pregnancy be lawful where the health of the woman is at a substantial risk" or "there is a substantial risk to the health of the woman". The rest of the motion would remain the same. I formally make this proposal.