Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is woefully inadequate and, as an Opposition spokesperson on health, I intend to hold the Government to account in this regard, but that is not what the amendment is about. There is an element of shaming or judgment in it, and there is no version of this that does not involve causing distress for a pregnant woman. Any pregnant woman can ask for an ultrasound if she feels she needs one or if she needs help making her decision and has not fully made up her mind. It is the job of the Minister to ensure the facilities are there, and we will do all we can do make that happen. To suggest, however, that somehow there must be an ultrasound is unfair and judgmental, and no good can come from it.

There is no choice in the amendment because it states "the medical practitioner shall perform the ultrasound imaging of the foetus". We must be clear about that.

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