Conclusions

Ireland is one of the safest places in the world for pregnant women. The 2005 report on Maternal Health produced by the WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank confirms Ireland as having the lowest maternal mortality rate in the world. Introducing abortion even on restrictive grounds is not necessary to protect the life of pregnant women in Ireland. Rather what is needed is the Medical Council to produce clinical guidelines on the management of high risk pregnancies that keep up to date with current medical evidence and support good obstetric practice.

We firmly believe that introducing abortion on restrictive grounds will inevitably lead to abortion on demand as has happened in other countries. This is not in the best interests of our patients and will have a negative effect on good obstetric practice.

We the Doctors for Life Irelandhave grave concerns about The Protection of Life During Pregnancy (Heads of Bill) 2013. We would like to attend the public hearing of the Oireachtais Committee to discuss our submission further.

Finally, the notice of five days to make submission to the Oireachtais Committee as a result of government decision is totally inadequate and undemocratic. We request an extension to the deadline to facilitate further consideration of the complex medical issues and a more complete submission.