Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the Bill is not to regulate obstetric procedures, such as the delivery of a viable premature infant, or to change the law of negligence in relation to the practice of obstetrics. I cannot accept the proposed amendments. However, I would observe that normal cover for medical practitioners, through their professional regulatory mechanisms, would apply in such situations.

I am not prepared to proceed other than on the basis that medical professionals will act professionally, in accordance with the best professional standards and in accordance with this legislation. I am not remotely prepared to take as any kind of a working assumption the proposition that they may take the view that it would "be easier for them if the baby dies". I am not prepared to proceed on the basis of that presumption.