Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue that has been raised by a number of other Senators, namely, the issue of fathers being at natal appointments and the birth of their children. In early December, it was announced that women attending their 20-week scan will now be able to be accompanied by their birth partners within Covid-19 restrictions. That is a good start but more is needed.

Birth partners being allowed for other scans or antenatal appointments is important and its lack is disappointing. All over the country, different maternity hospitals have different restrictions. Over the past number of months, we have heard of cases of women who had miscarriages and had to sit there on their own and deal with the tragedy. The partners of other women have only been able to see their child over FaceTime because they were too late to attend the birth. I understand that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work but we cannot stop birth partners from being with their partners during this time. Continued maternity ward visiting restrictions across the country are making expecting mothers fearful about giving birth, as well as leaving women who have given birth without the support of their partner with questions. I understand that hospitals must prioritise the safety of all patients and staff and do everything they can to ensure that hospitals are protected from the ever-present threat of Covid-19, but more needs to be done.

One expectant mother contacted me on behalf of mothers in my area of Longford-Westmeath. With the advantages of rapid Covid-19 testing, could this matter of expecting parents be looked into? A birth partner with a negative result should be allowed to attend appointments.