THE conference adopted a motion rejecting pre-natal genetic testing for non treatable disorders or gender selection, on the grounds that it was discriminatory and constituted a threat to the life of an unborn patient.
Dr Conall Mac Cuinneagain (proposer), of Galway, said that pre natal testing could induce the risk of miscarriage. Dr Janina Lyons, Dublin, said that the aim of pre-natal testing was to eliminate some members of society such as the handicapped.
The conference also adopted a motion defending the right of doctors to opt in or out of patient care, according to the dictates of their conscience. Proposing the motion, Dr Ray Chute, Tralee, said that the profession was bound by the Hippocratic Oath. Dr Maureen O'Carroll, Letterkenny, said doctors had the right to opt in or out of care, and that right should be safeguarded.
The conference supported a third motion affirming that the freezing of embryos was inconsistent with the profession's tradition of respect for human life at all stages of development. Dr Miriam Hogan (Kilkenny), said embryos should not be used like peas in a pod".
Following the debate on entry to the medical card scheme, the conference decided to give the issue further consideration. Mrs Anne Cronin Good, who spoke in favour of open entry to the scheme, said patients were not being afforded the dignity of choosing the doctor of their choice. This was because hundreds of doctors were not being allowed into the scheme.
Dr Ken Egan (Mayo) said a free entry system would destroy general practice. In the west alone, there had been a loss of 30,000 medical card patients and an increase of 27 doctors in the past 10 years.
Dr Henry Finnegan (Galway, said medical patient lists were falling. Allowing every doctor to treat them would not lead to the ordered development of general practice.
Dr Cormac McNamara (Waterford), said it was clear the motion was going to be defeated, but the issue was a burning one which would need further consideration.
It was decided to note the motion proposing free entry.
The Doctors for Life group in a statement welcomed "the strong ethical stand" taken by the IMO. The acceptance of motions on the freezing of embryos as inconsistent with respect for human life and the rejection of pre-natal genetic testing indicated "the continuing commitment of Irish doctors to the protection of the unborn".
The statement called on maternity hospitals to stop doing any amniocentesis or other pre-natal testing that did not have a direct therapeutic benefit.