Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Higgins. The use of early ultrasound can be very invasive. When doctors carry out an early ultrasound they are very sympathetic and cautious with the patient because it can be quite frightening for women in a first pregnancy who might have had trouble. It is something doctors use with great care, skill, consent and explanation. Transvaginal ultrasound is used at a very early stage.

I take great offence to the amendment, especially in situations where women might have been raped. The wording does not state "offer". The wording is very clear. It states a practitioner shall perform an ultrasound. That wording is very strict and forces a doctor to perform this type of ultrasound. I want it on record that I do not agree with it and find it abhorrent that it has been tabled.