Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sadly, I am aware. Senator Harte needs to extend his compassion beyond his own family to those who will be affected by this legislation. The point is that there will be foreseeable situations where, at best, this legislation will involve bringing children into the world in circumstances in which they are premature, very sick and in danger of severe disability. We all know that any hospital will do its best when emergency situations arise. This is not what we are talking about; we are talking about circumstances in which foreseeable procedures will be dangerous from the point of view of the unborn child if it survives. These should only be done at facilities where everything can be done to preserve the life of the child. It is a very simple point. Senator Harte should understand it. It is no use for Senator Burke to say, "Trust me; I am a doctor's spouse. Everything is fine with doctors." That is not what this debate is about.