Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is the reality of what section 9 provides for. Now, for the first time, we have to have regard to whether pain relief would be appropriate because under the sections 7 and 8 procedures, which are necessary interventions to save life in a situation of physical illness, there is no doubt but that every effort is being made to preserve the life of the child. We do not credibly believe that will be the case in the section 9 situations, precisely because, to all intents and purposes, the departure of the unborn from this world is what will be sought and there is a heightened need to have regard to the welfare of the unborn. That is what is at the heart of this amendment. It is no argument to say we should trust doctors. Of course we should trust them but we should legislate to make sure that those who would not care for two patients would be circumscribed in their actions.