John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief. I am speaking on the Bill in a personal capacity and I appreciate the fact that I can do that. I put on record my total opposition to unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks. I support the right to protect the life and health of the mother but I also respect the life of the unborn. There must be compassion for both the mother and the unborn. Compassion is not something that can be compartmentalised.

I respect the views of the health professionals who do not in any way want to be associated with this process. I am aware of the voice of the 66% of people who voted in favour of the constitutional change and I respect it, but 33% of people voted against it and their views need to be reflected here as well.