Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

We were not discussing the individual case but there is no doubt that the words of warning expressed by the UN Human Rights Committee really ring true in respect of it. The woman in question was treated as, and shown to be, no more than a vessel in the eyes of the State. The legislation in this area has been deemed to be absolutely inadequate in the context of dealing with the very graphic circumstances in this case, which are similar to those of the X case. A woman whose life was in danger and who needed and abortion was not able to get one under the legislation, it is as simple as that. The UN highlighted the fact the way in which the legislation is structured has led to excessive scrutiny of women by members of the medical profession. In essence, the chilling effect remains.

The Minister is a young man and he should wise up. Ireland's abortion rate is pretty much the same as in every other country. This matter has affected all Irish families, whether they know it or not. The only thing that is different is that women are not allowed to avail of the relevant medical treatment at home and surrounded by their families and friends. What this means is that women and couples in situations of crisis pregnancy who have money can access abortion for all of the many and different reasons - none of them easy, all of them valid - that arise. Women and couples who cannot access it either have babies or take risks. That is simply not acceptable in a modern society. Even some of the Government's own backbenchers have realised that we need to face up to this disgusting hypocrisy and legislate for abortion at home.

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