Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Okay, then I will leave it as it is, because the meaning is fully clear. In other words, the word "unborn" becomes the word "born".

As for the effect of this amendment, there is no requirement in the Bill as it stands to place a duty on medical professionals to sustain the life of the baby where that is possible. I acknowledge Members have received assurances from the Minister but again, once the Minister, Deputy Reilly, has left office - no one stays here forever - such assurances from him will no longer apply. However, the wording of the Bill will remain in the Act. The refusal to accept this amendment during the Dáil debate is extremely troubling and is completely at odds with the Minister's comments regarding delivering the baby at the cusp of viability. One must remember that as currently presented, this Bill does not render lawful the delivery of a live baby. I plead with the Minister to take on board this amendment, as a failure to include it-----