Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleagues for tabling amendment No. 10 which I fully support. Like many Deputies I have met the families of people directly affected by fatal foetal abnormality. I have also seen the sadness and the hurt in their eyes. These were all wanted pregnancies. This amendment is crucial. I was told of a woman in that situation who had to travel to England. I was asked to support this amendment because the situation had a devastating effect on the woman and on the whole family. The travel issue was also another aspect that had a very negative impact on that family.

In supporting this amendment I refer to the need to show compassion for women and to offer them support. Over the past week there has been much talk with reference to the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, about integrity and standing up for principles. Those of us on the other side of the debate are standing up for principles, for integrity, for compassion. I ask where is the compassion towards those women directly affected by fatal foetal abnormality. The issue has been dodged this week but this has not been reflected in the media reports. The same applies to victims of rape and incest. This amendment gives meaning to the Title of the Bill in that it deals with the protection of life during pregnancy. I stress the word "fatal" in the amendment. The Minister and the Government should look at the wording of the amendment. Fatal foetal abnormality means a medical condition suffered by a foetus such that it is incompatible with life outside the womb. The amendment is very clear and precise in this regard.

Others may disagree but the key solution to this issue is to give women a choice when faced with this situation. I am a parent of a child with a disability. I do not agree with any kind of selective termination because of disability or gender, as happens in some countries. I strongly disagree with selectivity. The issue of fatal foetal abnormality must be dealt with and I believe it will be dealt with in the future. The vast majority of Irish citizens have great compassion and they support women. They want this particular issue dealt with. Even though I have concerns because it is not provided for in this Bill I will be supporting the Bill because it is what is on the table and I have no option but to support it.

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