David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I oppose the amendment too. It is far too rigid. We have heard a great deal from Senators Mullen and Ó Domhnaill about the humanity of the foetus, but what about the humanity of the girl? My sympathy is entirely with the girl in such a situation. Unfortunately and very regrettably, rape by a father is not as rare as some people seem to believe. It happens relatively regularly. It is a shocking event and in such circumstances the father may wish to inhibit the girl from having an abortion or force her to have an abortion. He may intervene in either respect.

I have no problem with the medical guidelines. Who could have a problem with them? A doctor treating the girl would, of course, ask if the girl's parents know and would in those circumstances, as rightly outlined by Senator Mullen, consider the best interests of the girl, which should always be to the fore. If the doctor decides that informing the parents is not in the best interests of the girl, that is fine. The idea that all parents would support their child in such a situation is not correct. Not all parents would support the child and there might be very bitter and unpleasant exchanges between the parents and the child.

The amendment strikes me as being like sneaking behind the girl's back and telling the parents. I do not like that at all. Young women may have reasons not to involve their parents. Some of those reasons might be specious and the doctor might be in a position to talk the girl out of them and persuade her that it would be far better for her parents to be involved.

I agree wholeheartedly with Senator McDowell that if a minor is seeking a termination, it is almost inevitable that a criminal offence will have been committed. I cannot think of a situation whereby one would not.

I oppose the amendment because it is too rigid and it violates the properly confidential relationship between the girl, as a patient, and her doctor.