David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I fully understand Senator Mullen's wish to exclude abortions on the grounds of sex. I think we would all agree that it is a horrible practice. While it certainly exists in India, I was not aware of any threat of it in Ireland. However, as Senator Mullen says, it is important in legislation to contemplate the possible, even if it is unlikely. The same is true of the race of the foetus.

Where I am in some difficulty, and find myself in a dilemma, is on the question of disability. I have several friends with Down's syndrome and they are wonderful, warm, affectionate people who love music. They are a difficulty but also a joy to their families. No one would wish them out of the way and I am sure the Minister does not wish them out of the way either. I do not think this Bill contemplates abortion for the purposes of disability. However, I will say, as I believe in being honest, that I can understand circumstances in which a mother would find it impossible to cope with a disabled child. For example, if she had another disabled child or there were already two disabled children in the family, I can completely understand that she would find it impossible to cope with yet another child with disability. I say that although I have a sensitivity towards the disabled and understand that people who are disabled have a great nervousness and fear that people in their situation could be just eliminated. However, there is also the human factor. People may be in a situation where they cannot afford financially to look after another child, cannot afford to give the overwhelming amount of time involved in caring for a disabled child, or may find that their obligations to their existing children mean they do not wish to contemplate a future in which they have to divert a large part of the family resources to looking after a disabled child. I know that it is a very unpopular and controversial thing to say but that is what I think. We must look at the human reality. Although I am quite certain this Bill does not contemplate abortion for people who are threatened with disability, in human terms one must be able to understand the attitude of those who decide they cannot take any more or cannot afford another disabled child in emotional, financial and family terms. In my opinion, that is a human situation.