Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Protection of Life in Pregnancy (Amendment) (Fatal Foetal Abnormalities) Bill 2013. First, I extend my sympathies to mothers and parents who have had to deal with the problems and challenges we are discussing today, particularly those who had pregnancies with fatal foetal abnormalities. We all agree that such an outcome is a life-changing event, deeply distressing and must be treated in the most careful manner. We must listen, understand and be compassionate. I appreciate that there will be very strong, sincerely held views on all sides about this issue, although the majority might support its introduction. We must deal with any debate relating to such complex and sensitive issues in a measured manner. We also must strive to have a legal framework that protects women, families and expectant parents.

The Bill deals with a specific sub-question in the debate about abortion, that is, abortion in the case of fatal foetal abnormality. Fatal foetal abnormality is defined by this Bill as " a medical condition suffered by a foetus such that it is incompatible with life outside the womb". It has been decided not to make use of a list of conditions as this would be too crude a tool in a balancing that includes appraisal of comorbid conditions and all to varying degrees. I note that two medical practitioners are to make the decision. The Bill requires two medical practitioners to agree and, having examined the woman, to jointly certify "in good faith that the foetus in question is suffering from a fatal foetal abnormality". Of the two practitioners "one shall be an obstetrician who practises as such at an appropriate institution, and (b) the other shall be a perinatologist who practises as such at an appropriate institution". I note the argument that Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution, which guarantees to protect the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn as far as is practicable, applies to the unborn only when it is capable of being born alive and therefore does not apply in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

The Bill before us is not in line with Sinn Féin Party policy and, therefore, we cannot support it at this time.

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