Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Teachta Flanagan as ucht a chuid ama a roinnt liom ar an Bille tábhachtach seo.

Abortion is a severely difficult issue for most people in the State. The majority of people in the Chamber and in society in general, whether they have a pro-life or pro-choice perspective, come to the issue with justice and compassion in mind. Nobody has anything to fear from comprehensive robust debate. This country has learned to its great cost that there is much more to be feared from groupthink and herd mentality than a civil word of dissent.

I condemn those on both sides of the debate who campaign with disrespect. This is a sensitive issue and it is very important that those who campaign are respectful of all others. I also condemn efforts by some to demonise those who do campaign with respect. In every case a mother's life should be saved, no ifs, buts or doubts. Every medical procedure necessary to save a mother's life should be afforded to every woman whose life is threatened.

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