Dáil debates

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Report Stage (Resumed)

 

5:00 pm

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I could say the same for the committee. The Deputies who are constantly attacking, name-calling and so on were on the winning side. Where is the aggression and the anger coming from, and why?

It is our democratic right. We hold a different view and so do 723,000 people in our society. It is our right as democratically elected representatives to put forward other views, make sure the legislation is done properly and that it is not as extreme and harsh as it is. Our concern is that it is over the top in being extreme and harsh. I know time will prove that and prove it to the Minister. He might not see it now but he will have questions to answer in the future. Let it be, because he does not want to listen to any other view.

This amendment that we put forward seeks to ensure that before a woman makes any final decision, she is fully informed, because the decision she makes can be a life-changing one. We are all aware and can appreciate that it is a very serious decision to make, given that it brings about the end to life of the unborn child. That is a point that needs to be made here again. This is all being treated in such a casual manner, with the whole life of an unborn child, which is about to end, being dismissed. It is pertinent that women are made aware of the supports available and also of other options that could be pursued if they wished to pursue them.

Abortion should never be the only option made available to any woman. Women should not feel pressurised into having an abortion. It is vital, therefore, that women are fully informed when comes to such a decision. It appears that this House, and indeed the Minister, wants to push abortion. He wants push it as hard as he can and hopes it is taken up by as many as possible. As a woman, I find that disgusting.

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