Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 8, to delete lines 33 to 38 and substitute the following:“(4) The obstetrician referred to in subsection (2)(a)shall make such arrangements as he or she shall deem to be necessary for the carrying out as soon as may be of the termination of pregnancy to which the certification referred to in subsection (3)relates.”.

I will be brief. This amendment would delete the requirement that the doctor who certifies that the woman may access an abortion where her pregnancy poses a risk to her life or health must also carry out the termination.In the context of the pressures on our health services, this provision is far too inflexible, especially when a woman's life or health is in danger. We do not want the care of a woman in this vulnerable position to be placed at risk or to be interrupted because of a statutory requirement that is at odds with best practice, let alone as a result of issues that could arise from rostering or conscientious objection. The amendment would simply allow the doctor who certifies the woman for access to an abortion to make the arrangements for the abortion to be carried out by another doctor if required.

The Minister will see from the list of Senators who tabled the amendment that it has support. It is common sense and accepts the reality of how health service provision will look once we move from the statutory realm to providing care for women. I hope the Minister will accept it.