Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has said some of those commenting on the latest abortion controversy do not know all the facts of the case.
He told The Irish Times he wanted to read the HSE review that has been ordered before engaging with the case in a detailed way and said he would encourage others to approach it in the same manner.
“A lot of people are commenting on this case with passion and conviction but without knowing all the facts,” he said.
“I want to see the HSE review before engaging in any detailed way, and I would encourage others to do the same.”
Mr Varadkar's Fine Gael colleague Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan also said the full facts were not in the public domain.
Mr Flanagan was asked to comment on the case of a young woman who was refused an abortion and later had her pregnancy delivered by Caesarean section earlier this month.
“Only some facts are in the public domain. Until such time as all facts are in the public domain I don’t wish to make public comment on what on the face of it continues to be a deeply disturbing personal tragedy,” Mr Flanagan said.
Sinn Féin health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called for the review of the operation of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 to be brought forward.
He said it should be published in January next, “a year on from its coming into operation, rather than in June as previously signalled”.
‘Extremely distressing’
Mr Ó Caoláin described as “extremely distressing” the details that had emerged about the young woman’s case.
“A number of issues are raised, including the length of time it took to address the woman’s case under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act,” he said. “The operation of the Act needs to be very seriously examined.
“It appears that the woman in this case was extremely vulnerable on account of her age and her status as a new arrival in the country. Was full information provided to this woman and in a way she could understand?”
The Government declined to say whether Attorney General Máire Whelan was represented in court at any of the proceedings in the case or whether she was kept informed about developments in the case.
The Government also declined to say whether Ms Whelan’s opinion or advice was sought in relation to the decision to proceed with a Caesarean section. Neither would it say whether Ms Whelan provided any opinion or advice in respect of the decision.
“The Office of the Attorney General does not comment on individual cases,” said the Attorney General’s office in response to queries submitted to the Government.
The young woman was admitted to hospital last month at 24 weeks pregnant saying she was suicidal. A High Court order was obtained to rehydrate and feed her after she went on a hunger and thirst strike.
She has now left hospital and is receiving psychiatric care in the community. Her baby remains in hospital.
