Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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764. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a recent study (details supplied) in which a series of interviews with doctors carrying out abortions in Ireland reveals that babies born alive after failed abortions have been left to die; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38951/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the article to which the Deputy refers in his question, on ‘Fetal medicine specialist experience of providing a new service of termination of pregnancy for fatal fetal anomaly: a qualitative study”.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 sets out the parameters in which termination of pregnancy may be lawfully carried out in this country. Section 11 of the Act permits a termination of pregnancy to be carried out in cases where there is a condition present affecting the foetus that is likely to lead to the death of the foetus before or within 28 days of birth.

The purpose of the legislation is not to dictate the practice of obstetrics. Medical practitioners are bound through professional regulatory mechanisms to operate in accordance with best medical practice.