Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Even at this late hour I have to say the phrase "who was not let live" is gravely offensive to the parents of children with fatal foetal abnormalities, women whose lives have been at risk which, of course, is one of the grounds for abortion the Senator opposes and women who are facing a serious risk of harm to their health. The circumstances to which the Senator has referred include these much wanted pregnancies. He has excluded early pregnancy which was not excluded in other similar amendments in Dáil Éireann. I appreciate that it is excluded in the amendments proposed. We are talking about much wanted pregnancies and babies whose parents have been told that they will not live outside the womb, or situations where a woman finds herself pregnant, only to be told that if she continues with the pregnancy, she could die or face serious risk of harm to her health. These are the grounds about which we are talking. Referring to these children as babies who were "not let live" does not in any way comprehend the grief felt by the woman and her partner. We are not going to agree on this, but I really do not believe we need to legislate to tell those parents how to grieve or care for the remains of their baby with dignity. I really do not think they need the Senator or me to tell them how to do that. The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 is the only law on the Statute Book in this area.

Speaking of decency, I am aware of what happens with foetal remains. I have heard about the remains of babies being returned by couriers, delivered by the postman, put into shoe boxes and transferred home by ferry in the boot of a car. I do not know where decency lies in that situation. I am not in a position to accept the amendment for the very same reasons I discussed at some length in Dáil Éireann. Hospitals have standard procedures in place to deal sensitively with parents in situations which involve stillbirth and miscarriage. Those procedures will apply in these cases also. Suggesting or implying anything to the contrary is incorrect, but the Senator will tell me that it is the reality. I have every confidence that hospitals have standard procedures in place to deal sensitively with parents who find themselves in such situations and that they will do so. The picture the Senator is painting is one to which I cannot relate.