Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill strikes the right balance

Fine Gael Dublin South TD, Olivia Mitchell, has welcomed the publication of the heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, saying it strikes the right balance between giving medical professionals certainty, while protecting the life of women and the unborn.

“After 21 years of dodging this issue, we finally have a piece of legislation that clearly sets out the parameters in which medical professionals can operate. It gives women certainty that they will receive the care they need during pregnancy. And it deals with the difficult issues set out in the X case judgement back in 1992.

“Everyone realises that this is a sensitive issue. But we can’t ignore it for any longer. This Bill, once it becomes legislation, will end the current situation whereby medical professionals feel that the care they can offer to pregnant women is compromised, because of the lack of legal certainty. This Bill will only enhance Ireland’s reputation as being one of the safest countries in the world to have a baby.

“On the issue of suicide, great care has been taken to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place. The Irish people have already voted twice on this issue, and on both occasions they chose not to remove suicide as grounds for a termination. All the Government is proposing to do, is to clarify the status quo and existing constitutional position, by setting out a clear legal framework. It should also be remembered that we are talking about a very small number of women here. Furthermore, I believe that the suggestion that this proposed legislation will open the floodgates is misguided.

“The publication of the heads of the Bill is an important step forward. Now, the Bill will be discussed and debated at the Health Committee. I understand that there are strongly held views on both sides. Unfortunately, it is often the most strongly held opinions on either side that are heard the most, while most people’s opinions are somewhere in the middle ground. I hope everyone involved can be respectful of opposing views as this process moves forward.”