Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK and the Royal College of Midwives have stated that after 24 weeks a foetus feels pain. What I completely object to is the condescending tone being used by some Members who cannot listen to the evidence. I am not just referring to the Minister of State in this regard, I am also referring to a number of Senators. The tone to which I refer is unacceptable. If people cannot bear hearing about the pain, why do they want to legislate in respect of it?

I return to my basic point regarding the precautionary principle. If there is any doubt, then let us, at the very least, be humane and provide for an anaesthetic to be administered to the unborn whose little life is being ended. If the mother is already being given an anaesthetic, what is wrong with providing the baby with one? This beggars belief. Why can we not accept that it is okay to be wrong? What is wrong with the Government? Is it the case that it does not want to recall the Dáil from recess? It is our job to provide - if we must go there at all - for the most humane ending of life. Let us have open minds. If we must end life, then let us do it humanely and let us operate, at the very least, on the basis of the precautionary principle. I included the term "sixteen weeks gestation or older" but I am very open to reaching agreement on the timeframe involved. Let us not deny, however, that foetuses feel pain, particularly after 20 weeks.

I again ask the Minister of State to think carefully before he rejects the amendment. If necessary, I will press the matter to a vote but I would rather not be obliged to do so.