Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry I missed some of the Minister's contribution. I had to go out to get a charger for my phone. This is a most basic request regarding an abortion which goes wrong in the eyes of the unfortunate woman who wants it for whatever reason unfortunately and in those of the professional engaged to carry out the act. We have cases and I have given them to the Minister. I have provided him with figures from Canada and England. Are we going to shut our eyes and ears to that evidence? We have heard from the lady from Canada who also spoke to many thousands of people across the country and all over the world. It is a wonderful story. I forgot to mention that she and her mother - who was forced to go for an abortion by her own mother - have an eternal bond and are very close. Her mother is now a grandmother. These things happen and we are not leaving it up to whim. We will be discussing conscientious objection later but no conscientious person could hear the squeaks and squalls of a little infant delivered in the middle of an abortion process. That professional should be allowed the space and encouraged in the legislation to offer human aid and should see that there is nothing wrong or harmful in doing so. It is basic humanity. The animal world would kill a third person after giving birth. I have had experiences with cows calving and sheep. Those animals would kill a person to protect their young. Are we, as a human race, going to be forced to allow our young to perish in this way?

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