Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this most serious and sensitive issue. We would not be present if it were not for the fact that some brave women came forward and told their sensitive stories publicly. We cannot discount how difficult it was for them to reveal such personal details.

As a woman, I am aware of what it is like to go to hospital to have a baby. In such circumstances I do not want to think the treatment I receive will end up as part of an inquest or public inquiry. That would not be the case for any male Member of the House. We should remember, congratulate and support those women who took the brave step of coming forward on the issue.

In preparation for speaking on this issue tonight I reflected on how badly expectant mothers and women were treated by the medical profession, who for some bizarre and unknown reason believed that in breaking women's pelvic bones they were upholding an ethos. The practice of safe caesarean section was cast aside in the pretence of an apparent religious ethos. That is all the more alarming given that we now know this practice continued until the 1990s.

Mary Robinson once said that when culture, religion or ethos is being used to defend or justify some barbaric practice such as symphysiotomy or female genital mutilation - I am pleased to say the Dáil has made the latter practice illegal - it is very often the perpetrator of such a practice who uses religion, ethos or culture as a cover. One rarely if ever finds a woman who will excuse a practice on the basis of it being part of one’s culture, ethos or religion and allow it to continue.

I echo the sentiments that have resounded across the Chamber from all Members of the House in congratulating the brave women and their families who have come forward to tell their stories and reveal such private and personal details. The way in which this State has viewed women with disdain as second-class citizens time and time again must come to an end. We must be able to draw a line under it. It is incumbent upon all of us in this House to say that we are sorry but, more to the point, to ensure that nothing like this can happen again.

As a result of their biology, women are discriminated against time and time again by this State but it is incumbent upon all of us in this House to ensure that comes to an end. I am horrified by the practice of symphysiotomy and the stories that were revealed which have left women with life-long injuries and difficulties, but I am pleased the Minister has accepted the Bill. We must ensure that the women receive the treatment, care and compensation they so badly deserve.

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