David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to a definition of "unborn", which is a rather ungainly and unpleasant word. I do not know what it means. Anything could be unborn. For example, the attempts to attribute grotesquely sophisticated capacities to a fertilised egg are unseemly - I have listened to them. That is the very beginning of life and it is not that I disrespect it. However, to describe such entities as "citizens" is utterly unreal. Fertilised eggs are shed by the million on this planet every day. Nature is very profligate. I do not understand why we cannot have acceptance that life is a spectrum and it develops. It does not automatically and intrinsically have these qualities. Again, I point to the fact that the Roman Catholic Church only changed its mind in this respect less than 200 years ago. For 18 centuries it took the view that abortion during anything up to 166 days was reasonable, even under Catholic law.

The definition of "unborn" is an important one for that reason, and I do not terribly like the one in the legislation, which states:

“unborn”, in relation to a human life, is a reference to such a life during the period of time commencing after implantation in the womb of a woman and ending on the complete emergence of the life from the body of the woman;
“woman” means a female person of any age.

I will be happy to propose or second the definition contained in the amendment if its proposers or seconders are not able to do so and would be happy to put it back in if we have another opportunity on Report Stage. There is a cleanness, clarity and focus about it: “ “unborn”, means a foetus which has reached that stage of development at which, if born, it would be capable of life outside the womb;”." I agree with that definition and much prefer it to the Government's one. It is realistic. I am sorry it was not moved and am very grateful to the Cathaoirleach-----