An unforeseen situation, where a woman needed medical intervention to save her life but which would result in the loss of her pregnancy, would not arise, the Minister for Health argued yesterday.
Mr Martin was responding to concerns raised by Opposition TDs at a Dβil select committee on abortion. The committee is discussing the Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy Bill, which will provide the wording for a proposed 25th Amendment to the Constitution, due to be put before the electorate early next year.
During discussions on Tuesday and yesterday, the Labour Party and the Fine Gael spokespersons on health, Ms Liz McManus and Mr Gay Mitchell, asked the Minister what would happen if a woman, who needed emergency medical intervention which would result in the termination of her pregnancy, was not "at an approved place". The Bill stipulates that such a procedure must be carried out "by a medical practitioner at an approved place".
Mr Martin said his Department had consulted widely with obstetricians: "The view was that conditions where the ending of the pregnancy may become necessary would be monitored over a period of time. In regard to emergency scenarios . . . I was assured that these would not arise."
It was judged necessary to stipulate that such interventions take place only "at an approved place" because the "safety of the patient was paramount," he added.
Ms McManus said the current wording was flawed. The Alliance for a No Vote will protest outside the Dβil at 1 p.m. today.
