Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There are three important considerations when discussing this topic. One must look at it from the legal, medical and moral perspectives. Morally, without question, we have a responsibility to protect the lives of women. We should never have a scenario where an intervention is not made or is questioned because of legal uncertainty. As a man, I will never biologically experience or deal with this situation, but as a husband, brother, son and friend, I am aware it could affect me personally. I am worried it could affect my sister or my wife. My hope is that we can prevent another such occurrence or a related worry that might affect people in our society.

Medically, I find it difficult that doctors and women run the risk, under sections 58 and 59 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861, of being criminally prosecuted for conducting a medical abortion when a woman's life is at risk. It is wholly inappropriate to base medical decisions on an Act created in 1861. The medical field is constantly changing and adapting to what is best for patients. As legislators, it is our responsibility to ensure legislation reflects medical reality. We are able to assess and increase the well-being of the child and mother through regular scans that can detect prenatal conditions.

It is important to note also that there is much speculation about what happened in Galway. I reiterate that, as outsiders, we do not know and should not speculate on what took place. The medical team and the husband of Savita Halappavanar must be privy to an examination which should be undertaken using whatever is the correct legal procedure.

I commend Deputy Clare Daly for presenting us with this issue once again. I would like to have more time to speak on it, but I am proud to note the Labour Party's track record in this regard. Of the four main political parties represented in the House, ours was the only one that included this provision in its manifesto for the last general election. We will see to it that this debate is conducted in a proper manner and that the matter is legislated for in a proper way during the term of the Government.

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