Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will repeat the question. I am happy to do so. I asked about the situation of ectopic pregnancy. Could ectopic pregnancy exist before any symptoms present themselves? I asked whether, if ectopic pregnancy symptoms presented themselves in circumstances in which a medical abortion was taking place, there might be confusion if the person in question thought that the symptoms were associated with the abortion. I did not make a statement. I am asking for knowledge here. I asked whether the medical insurers have a view on this situation, on the use of ultrasound in this situation and on the use of ultrasound more generally. I have heard what Senator Kelleher has said about what the literature says, but I have not heard people say that ultrasound can do any harm. I think it is more likely to bring certainty in relation to dates. That was my specific question about what the medical insurers have to say. I also asked whether it could be detrimental to a woman's health if an abortion pill is administered in circumstances in which a pregnancy is more advanced than the woman says it is, and whether such a situation could have been addressed by the use of ultrasound. Those are the questions that are relevant to women's welfare. Indeed, it would have been appropriate for the Minister of Minister of State, and not just for Senator Kelleher, to answer my question about the data on the universality of ultrasound. I am not the only person who is seeking the provision of ultrasound. Dr. Boylan and others have pointed to the dangers of the non-availability of ultrasound. I think we are in a risky situation here. As I have said, we know what will happen to the unborn child. I think there are issues relating to women's health here as well. I have sought clarification on those issues. I would have preferred more precise clarification.