Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It appears that people interested in the health of the mother and foetus during pregnancy are being categorised into two polar extremes, namely, the so-called pro-abortion constituency and the pro-life constituency. These categorisations are simplistic and are misnomers. The vast majority of people I meet are anxious that, during pregnancy, the life of the mother and foetus be given optimum clinical consideration. However, in the event of a medical complication that could put the life of the mother at risk, they believe there should be relevant medical intervention by clinicians to safeguard the mother's life. Many citizens believe clinicians have been exercising their judgment within the parameters of the Supreme Court ruling of 1992 in regard to this matter; hence my surprise to hear that some eminent masters of the maternity hospitals are indicating that the legal position lacks lucidity. They seek legislative guidance in this area.

I have noted the report of the expert group and I will consider the Government's proposal on foot thereof. The onus is now on the Minister for Health and the Office of the Attorney General to introduce legislation promptly for debate so Members can express their mature views on the matter and, I hope, learn from one another having thought the issue through and discussed it constructively. I await the Government's legislation and ministerial regulation, which are to be to the benefit of the mother and child.

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