Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Clinical Guidelines for the Introduction of Abortion Services: Discussion

9:00 am

Dr. Peter Boylan:

We covered the question of the waiting period. Generally, those of us present agree that it is not necessary. As the Deputy stated, it demeans women's autonomy.

Regarding the definition of "medical practitioner", there are plenty of instances in obstetric practice and general medical practice of advanced nurse practitioners dealing with complex medical conditions, for example, diabetes management. It is possible that advanced nurse practitioners could deliver the service. It is important that the service be got right from the beginning, though, and that there should be no hiccups. People will be watching it closely and waiting for something to go wrong, at which point the accusations will fly.

Decriminalisation is not a matter for us.