Seanad debates

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

6:55 pm

Photo of Paul BradfordPaul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

How does that stand up to scrutiny? We are in the process of seeking to enshrine in law abortion as an entitlement in circumstances where it is the only treatment. Senator Healy Eames has presented an alternative view. There were many interruptions earlier as Senators sought to jump ahead to discuss matters relating to section 9. Some appear to be inclined to the view that people on my side of the argument wish to ignore or dismiss the fact that suicide, suicidal ideation and psychological problems do not occur during pregnancy. Everybody fully acknowledges that pregnant women can be suicidal. Everybody also fully acknowledges the scale of the problem and the fact that a solution is required. What we are asking is that a solution based on evidence and fact - and which is based on the premise that it will actually work - should be put in place. We are outlining our deep concerns about the prospect that a so-called treatment which is not a treatment at all will be enshrined in Irish law.

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