"Sure I'll talk to you as long as you provide an armed guard for me and my family for the next six months. I would also want a locum to take over my work."
That was the response from an obstetrician/gynaecologist asked by The Irish Times if he would be quoted on his views on abortion for this article. Privately, this man says he is anti-abortion, but he does believe there should be termination of pregnancies in certain exceptional circumstances.
His response is typical of many in the medical community, particularly those who do not share the same absolutist views of their more vocal anti-abortion colleagues.
He has been burnt once before for speaking on a matter which was considered controversial and will not now speak publicly. Other doctors tell of their fear of speaking out, of being identified as "pro-abortion".
They say there is a danger of subsequently being "nobbled" at interviews for promotion, singled out for attention or in the past having women from the antiabortion organisations arriving at the surgery, claiming they are pregnant and attempting to "trick" them into giving assistance for an abortion.
These doctors generally protest that they are not pro-choice, except in certain circumstances, such as the case of the 13-year-old traveller girl.
"We feel helpless and that we are not represented on the Medical Council. We feel threatened by them. I dislike having to pay them a sub each year, a penny would be too much," said the doctor.
Another doctor who is well versed in medical politics believes the majority of Irish doctors are against abortion. "The bulk of them are anti-abortion. But where you have a hard case, such as this 13-year-old girl, that is where the majority view would shift and it would be permissible."
But Dr Maire Skelly, a Mullingar obstetrician, said she would not perform an abortion for anybody. "Most of my colleagues would be exactly the same. My attitude is that on the whole obstetricians do not perform abortions in Ireland." She did not wish to comment further.
In the 1994 Medical Council election, Prof Patricia Casey topped the poll with over 1,300 votes. She is head of the Council's Fitness to Practise Committee. At that time an unusually high number of candidates ran for the 10 vacant seats which are filled by election. Commentators suggested that at least 10 of the candidates were strongly anti-abortion.
However, the elected members make up fewer than half of the incoming council. The other 15 seats are filled by appointment.
Around that time Prof Casey said the council must retain its independence on ethical matters. "In relation to ethical issues and the abortion issue I believe that most Irish doctors are antiabortion and that the election results reflected that." She was followed closely in the polls by Dr Dara Scally, also known for her views against abortion. Prof Casey was not available when contacted for comment yesterday.
The council guidelines on abortion state: "While the necessity for abortion to preserve the life or health of the sick mother remains to be proved, it is unethical always to withhold treatment beneficial to a pregnant woman, by reason of her pregnancy." The guidelines are currently under review.
Dr Leonard Condren, a GP in Ballyfermot in Dublin, believes the "lie has been nailed" that there is an organised pro-choice lobby. "The only people commenting at the moment are the people from the pro-life side, with a well-oiled media campaign. No voice has been raised in favour of abortion in an organised fashion."
But another doctor disagrees. "Who would want to organise themselves as a pro-abortion lobby and allow themselves to be fingered? If I stand up and say I do not want a woman to go through what she does not want to go through, I'll be told I am a murderer."
Around five years ago at the annual general meeting of the Irish Medical Council, a motion was heard that "the IMO rejects abortion". The session was exceptionally well-attended.
"It was incredible, the best at tended session ever at an a.g.m. People paid their annual sub of about £350 at the door so they could come in and support the motion. Passionate speeches were made. When the hands went up I was left looking at people, looking at me, keeping my hand down, and there were only a handful of us. A number of IMO members would have a moderate view but would not turn up at the a.g.m., unwilling to face a confrontation."
He says a similar situation exists when it comes to Medical Council elections and the well-organised anti-abortion lobby "finds it easy to get control". "But doctors tend to stand back because you could easily find yourself stitched up. They have lots of indirect influence really. You find them in front of you at interview boards, which is another reason to keep your mouth shut."
Dr Condren believes that women offered non-rushed, non-judgmental counselling are those best able to make the decision about whether to carry the child to term.
"The absolutist message from the pro-life movement is very damaging."