Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I said last night, this amendment is not about consent but about notification. Parents need to know. The medical, emotional and psychological consequences of abortion are sometimes serious and can be lasting. Parents are best placed to advise in these circumstances as they will know if their child has a mental health issue that the doctor approached for termination may not be aware of. Children are seeing doctors who do not know their history and if a termination goes ahead, there can be serious consequences.

Parents of a minor daughter who had an abortion may be better placed to ensure she receives adequate medical attention after her abortion. If a child has an abortion, who are the best people to ensure she is looked after afterwards? I would appreciate if the Minister would indicate what services will be available after an abortion. We repeatedly asked that question on Committee Stage. We need clarification on it because these are minors.

We cannot keep parents in the dark. It is important that the Minister accepts this amendment because, as I said, no matter what happens to the child, she will end up with her parents who know best. We have to protect the child. I again ask the Minister to clarify what services will be available after an abortion. It is important to remember that these are children.

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