andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports published that the contraceptive pill is being used very widely in Ireland; and, if so, if he will comment on the dangers inherent in the fact that medical practitioners where they decide that contraceptive methods are in the health interest of the patient are restricted to the contraceptive pill, which in a minority of cases is known to constitute a health hazard for the patient.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Contraceptive Pill.
10.
Dr. Browne
I have seen a Press report of 7th November, 1971, regarding an analysis of official statistics of births and marriages for this country.
I presume that the pills referred to in the question as constituting a health hazard for some patients are the preparations marketed in this country for the treatment of menstrual disorders and similar conditions. Medical practitioners have been reminded by the National Drugs Advisory Board of the need for care in the prescribing and use of such preparations, of the precautions which should be taken in connection with their administration and of possible side effects associated with their use in a small minority of patients.
The Minister has not stated what the substitutes are for people for whom contraception is indicated but for whom these pills are dangerous.
I do not follow the Deputy.
On medical grounds there are people who require contraception and, in cases in which the pill is dangerous, what is the permitted substitute?
I do not propose to discuss this because section 17 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1935, is now being questioned in the courts. An action is pending and I do not, therefore, propose to say anything on this subject.
Would the Minister not agree that, where a doctor recommends contraception to his patient— both have no conscientious or religious objections to the use of contraceptive methods—and only the pill is available and might constitute a danger to the health of the patient, that patient should be in a position to get whatever contraceptive device the doctor thinks in her best interest?
The Deputy is really most indiscreet. If ever there was a legal action pending in which a Minister should not make a pronouncement it is this.
Do not hide behind the court. The Minister should take some responsibility in this.
I do not understand this. The Minister was not asked to comment.