Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is when there is an impact on the taxpayer. Good laws are made when we are clear on their implications. For instance, I have looked at some of the figures in the United States where the carrying out of abortions is widespread. The taxpayer covers roughly 24% of abortion costs, which is in stark contrast with what is being proposed here. It has been proposed that the taxpayer cover all of the cost. There are arguments that can be made in that regard. For instance, the vast majority of services available within the health service are based on ability to pay. The medical card system protects those who are not able to access services by allowing them to access care when they cannot afford to pay for it. The Minister is proposing a universal service to be funded by the taxpayer, irrespective of a person's income or financial status.

According to the information I could find, in the United States the cost of an abortion in the first trimester is about $400. In the second trimester it is around $850. Interestingly, the American taxpayer has the protection of legislation. The Hyde amendment which was adopted in 1997 allows the federal government to fund abortion services through Medicaid but only in cases of rape, incest and life endangerment. It tightens the life endangerment exception to permit payment only when a woman's life is threatened by a physical disorder, physical injury or physical illness, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy. It is quite restrictive and not universally available. In short, the Hyde amendment has never imposed an absolute ban on the provision of federal government funding for abortion services. However, without the amendment, Medicaid would be liable for the cost of an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 additional abortions every year. Only a small fraction of the cost of the 15.6% of abortions financed by Medicaid is paid with federal dollars. In 2010 the federal Government paid for 331 abortions through Medicaid, while states funded 113,000.

The Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion institute in the United States, has provided research. We cannot be accused of bringing research to the floor of the House from the pro-life side of the argument only.