Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom tréaslú leis an Seanadóir Jim Walsh maidir leis na pointí atá déanta aige anseo i dtaca le Teideal an Bhille seo.

The Title of a Bill is very important because it frames the legislation and what it is about. The Title of this Bill, the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, clearly sends out an impression that the Bill protects all life during pregnancy, when of course we know that is not the case. The definition of political framing is "an inevitable process of selective influence over the individual's perception of the meanings attributed to words or phrases." It is generally considered in one of two ways, the first of which is frames in thought, consisting of the mental representations, interpretations and simplifications of reality. The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 is one such example of political framing. This is especially reflected in its Title. The overall aim and objectives of the Bill are focused solely on the health, safety and well-being of the mother, in regard to her personal interests, without any reference to those of the baby. This can be clearly seen in Chapter 1, which is titled "Risk of loss of life of pregnant woman". Sadly, there is no section in the Bill called "Risk of loss of life of the unborn". To say therefore that the Bill is compatible with Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution is misleading, and Senator Walsh's raising of this issue is very important. I am not making any political points in this regard, but we are being asked to approve legislation. The current Constitutional provision protects the life of the mother and the child. This piece of legislation, entitled "Protection of Life During Pregnancy", protects only the life of the mother. There is no mention of protection of the life of the child. How can that be compatible with the Constitution?