Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, for recalling the terrible tragic circumstances surrounding the X case and reminding us that suicide in pregnancy is a real threat which must be dealt with. That is what the X case judgment requires us to do, morally, politically and legally. Given the powerful accounts that they both gave, I do not understand how they can propose a Bill that effectively rolls back on that right and gives us less than was agreed to by the judges in the X case judgment. One consultant psychologist made the assessment that X was suicidal and that she had the right to an abortion. The Government, however, is now proposing that similar cases will be examined by an obstetrician, two psychiatrists in consultation with a doctor and then a review panel. Potentially, a 14 year old girl, a victim of rape and feeling suicidal, could have to be put through a review by eight doctors and potentially denied her right to have an abortion in these appalling circumstances. The X case judgment does not require the Government to do this. That is the point we are making. The number should be reduced to two doctors instead of putting obstacles in the way.

The Minister asked for honesty. Will the Government be honest? As it stands, is Deputy Olivia Mitchell correct in saying most woman who will feel suicidal during pregnancy will not avail of the rights this Bill purports to give them? They will not put themselves through this. Then the Minister asks us what is the point of the Bill and what does it do for women.

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