Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I propose to deal first with amendments Nos. 6 and 8. The definition of "unborn" in the Bill provides protection to the unborn from the moment of implantation and ends on the complete emergence of the life from the body of the woman, in line with the Constitution. That is exactly the legal advice we got from the Attorney General, namely, this Bill has to be in compliance with the Constitution. In addition, the Bill imposes a clear duty on medical practitioners to make every effort to preserve the life of the foetus. Not to do so would mean a medical practitioner would be in breach of the proposed legislation and subject to penalties.

With regard to amendment No. 7, I see Senator Mac Conghail had to leave but Senator van Turnhout is present. As a matter of course, the definition or interpretation provisions contained in a specific Act define words or phrases for the purposes of that Act alone. Therefore, the amendment is not necessary and I cannot accept it. The definition clearly relates just to this Bill. If, as legislators, we were in future to introduce additional legislation, it would supersede this.