Seanad debates

Monday, 10 December 2018

Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage

 

2:00 pm

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House, even if I do not agree with the Bill. I have two very brief points. There has been a lot of talk about mental health. I am not an expert whatsoever, and I totally admit that. I recall, however, that I have read many pieces referring to women who very much regretted having had abortions. I believe that, in some instances, sadly, it has affected their mental health. I listened to the Senators opposite. Doctors, given their hippocratic oath, ethics and everything else, will save both lives where possible. That is their commitment. Every effort should be made to save both in cases of late procedures or whatever and where there is viability. If there is such a case and there is such distress as is alluded to, bearing in mind that there are, of course, difficult cases, the doctor will save the definite life rather than risk losing two. It is important that we do not go in any way against the concept of saving life. I do not believe anybody properly believes in the wilful destruction or planned elimination or extinguishment of life. I would like to hear the Minister on those points.

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