Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I asked for the floor when Senator Mullen was last speaking. I wonder how he managed to get ahead of me on the list. I would like to respond to some of the things that have been said about these amendments. Like other Senators, I attended all six days of hearings. I listened to the testimonies of the medical professionals, particularly the obstetricians. Some charges have been made this afternoon. I think we need to be careful in our language. The medical professionals clearly said they work to ensure foetal maturity and foetal viability. That is what they are about. Article 40.3.3° is a clear constitutional provision that protects unborn life. It is clear, therefore, that one cannot intentionally end that life if it is possible to pursue another option while vindicating the woman's right to life. I would like to clear up one of the many claims that have been made. A great deal has been said about the term limits in the UK. This is relevant in the overall context of the use of facts in this debate. It is correct to say that section 1(1)(a) of the UK Abortion Act 1967 provides for a 24-week limit. One should also refer to section 1(1)(c) of that Act, however, because it does not impose a time limit on abortion in Britain where "the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman". That is a fact.