Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week, a group of third level students released the findings of research they conducted into the operation of the HSE My Options helpline regarding the advice given to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. The findings of the research are truly horrifying and include evidence of the various My Options counsellors urging women to make their first abortion appointment, even in cases where the women made it clear that they were still very conflicted about whether to proceed with the abortion. It is obvious from the research that My Options is effectively all about abortion and not equipped in any way to talk to women who may wish to explore other options, including keeping their baby.

I read the HSE deflection statement from earlier this week. I await with interest its statement on the recent evidence that has come to light about its My Options hotline and what it proposes doing about it. The public is owed such a statement from the HSE and I hope it is issued very soon. Women and their unborn babies deserve better.

On 31 January 1984, one of my childhood friends, Ann Lovett, died with her baby son at a grotto in Granard. She had moved to Granard after her first year in St. Clare's convent. Our class was told of the death. Two pupils were chosen to go to the funeral and the rest of us were left to grieve in our own way. I am told I was one of the girls who mitched out of school to hitch a lift to her funeral. I have no memory of that day. My thoughts last week after the horror that took place in Tullamore were also with the tragic death of Ann in Granard. The country shared its pain with the Murphy family. I am sure the national solidarity gave comfort to the friends, family and colleagues of Ashling in Tullamore. I contrast that with Granard in 1984. The village of Granard is still healing from that tragic loss 38 years later. I often wonder if Ann had options. I am sure she could have aborted her baby but she did not. Today, we are in such a great place for young girls who find themselves pregnant unexpectedly. There are teen support groups-----