Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I respect the Cathaoirleach's position but I have to say that if a baby survives in this situation, it may be very much in need of what is called perinatal hospice care, although normally it does occur in the context of a situation where a tragic diagnosis of abnormality or disability is received and parents and baby need to be consoled and supported but it does arise in this case here. I will not say any more than that at the Cathaoirleach's request.

I have made the point but what is needed here is what the Rotunda Hospital describes perinatal care as being for such children as are affected by this amendment, namely, "an active, total, holistic approach to care, focused on enhancing the quality of life of the baby" and, if applicable in this situation, his or her family, "while recognising potential or inevitable death, and should be offered from the time of diagnosis". The situation may vary depending on the circumstances because the baby may be born alive and the baby may be in danger of death and unless helped it will certainly die.

It is relevant because of people such as Melissa Ohden, who has been in this country and whose story is real and not a fairy tale. Deputy O'Connell asked whether she remembered the experience well or something chillingly insouciant such as that and in the same way Deputy O'Connell seemed not to understand what perinatal hospice care is all about and seemed to think that it involved some kind of institutionalisation. I ask the Minister to distance himself from those attitudes and to reaffirm the Government's commitment to perinatal hospice care, but on this amendment, to accept that the amendment does not subtract from the provision of abortion by this legislation. It merely seeks mercy in situations that occur in real life where abortion is legal.