Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister constantly says he wants clarity for doctors in the law. Despite this, he has rejected amendments from pro-life Deputies as not necessary in primary legislation, saying these matters can be dealt with through guidelines etc. This is a contradictory stance. Either we give doctors clarity in the Bill, as the Minister keeps insisting, or we do not. This amendment ensures that women would be given information on relevant matters, including the risks of the relevant abortion methods, the risks of carrying the child to term, alternatives to abortion and supports available to assist them. I will repeat what I said about supports. There is nothing in the Bill about providing an alternative to abortion in the form of additional counselling or financial supports. We had five years of discussions. Women need to know that supports are available. The Minister keeps using the word "clarity". Women need clarity, and supports should be provided for in the Bill.

I mentioned abortion rates in the UK earlier. They have gone through the roof. There have been 8 million abortions since 1967, and 20% of all recorded pregnancies are aborted. The Minister talks about contraceptive pills. Contraceptive pills have been free in the UK for decades. Does the Minister think the experience in Ireland will somehow be different? Given these statistics, will the Minister explain to me why he thinks the contraceptive pill will sort this problem out? Women need clarity on supports. Doctors need clarity.

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