Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This amendment means that doctors will be restricted from inducing any delivery, even where the mother's life is at risk. If we applied Senator Walsh's interpretation to the likes of the Savita case, then it means the doctors would have to stand idly by in such a situation. I would ask Senator Walsh to look at the wording of what he is saying. It means no procedure of any description.

If a delivery is induced for someone under 24 weeks pregnant, the foetus is going to die. Adopting the wording proposed in the amendment would restrict every medical practitioner in every hospital from inducing any delivery even when the life of the mother is at risk. I am surprised at the way this amendment is worded. It is wrong and I do not believe we can accept it.