Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue very relevant to the Order of Business and in regard to which I call for the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, to appear before the House.In The Times, Ireland edition, Ellen Coyne reports today that a number of anti-abortion activists have taken to writing to general practitioners, GPs, offering free ultrasounds conducted by a fake agency. It is made even more deceptive by a letter suggesting doctors could face legal action for "assaulting" women unless that GP had recorded evidence that the woman consented to a termination of pregnancy. This cohort of activists uses such names as The Women's Centre, Good Counsel Network Ireland and Ultrasound Services WCN for the purposes of sounding legitimate. The bogus clinic previously came to our attention when an undercover video was posted of a woman receiving untruthful, unscientific advice, which was used to prevent her getting an abortion, such as suggesting an abortion could cause cancer or that women who have abortions are vulnerable to committing child abuse.

Let us be under no illusions. Those who wish to deceive doctors and shame vulnerable women are not justified in what they are doing. We have had national conversations about this and have had referenda on the subject. The public has given its answer as to whether abortion services should be available to women. We have had enough stories of shame and stigma and those who wish to return to that by protesting, offering GP services or posting confidential doctor and patient information online should reconsider their actions. Given that legislation has now been passed, I ask the Leader to ask the Minister, Deputy Harris, to come to this House to discuss how we can best protect women in vulnerable situations.