Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Senator also spoke about people not being "comfortable approaching Government figures". We have had a period of time in history when women were not able to approach almost anybody to talk about the reality of the situations they were in. Now we are bringing in legislation that will bring them some comfort in approaching their doctors to talk about these matters and engage with them. It is clear that what is being spoken about here is not about approach, or freedom, or going anywhere. It is about the obstacles that can or cannot be put in the way. When we considered the last section of the Bill, we heard about proposals to put difficult obstacles that are not medically necessary in the way. I do not wish to go back to that section. In this regard, conscientious objection is clearly provided for. Nobody is saying to any doctor or nurse that he or she must be the person who delivers this service. The point is that the doctor or nurse cannot be an obstacle in the path of somebody who is trying to access an essential service.