Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is a very important Bill to speak on. We are five years on from repeal, which was a step forward for women’s healthcare and those seeking a termination of pregnancy. Unfortunately, we must avoid the situation we see in America where those seeking healthcare are subject to intimidation, lies and harassment. The people of this State recognise that abortion is a healthcare issue. Healthcare should be delivered without prejudice, without judgment and, especially and absolutely, without harassment. Further protections must be included in this Bill to strengthen it, such as a recording of warnings to individuals to ensure they are not receiving multiple warnings at multiple locations without the knowledge of the gardaí. This was raised by the gardaí at pre-legislative scrutiny. When we are on the ground and identify the issues, this should be reflected in the final legislation.

Research by the Houses of the Oireachtas in 2019 found that in analysis of studies on abortion clinics and protests in the USA and the UK, there is repeated evidence that women felt an emotional and negative response to the protests. In October 2021 a person attending one clinic under the NHS was quoted as saying:

She watched me driving around and looking for a space, then approached me and was saying "do not kill your baby" and something about god. It made me feel emotional and scared. I was already worried and unprepared to be approached. I was crying and it affected my mental health. I was scared to go in.

That is what we must ensure does not happen. People accessing healthcare should be able to do so without fear. It is a simple request that we must now follow through on with the fast progress of this Bill to enactment. We should be clear to those who think this Bill restricts their rights that termination of pregnancy is not the only service offered at these clinics. The people who stand outside these clinics have an opinion that does not match what the people of Ireland decided on and they must recognise that. It is not right to stand outside clinics. We have allowed robust debate; healthcare should be at the forefront of all our decisions.

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