Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2014

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Questions (217, 218, 219)

Mick Wallace

Question:

217. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if the clinical guidance document to assist health professionals in the implementation of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 includes a clinically relevant standard for assessing real and substantial risk to life and distinguishing such risk from a risk to health; if doctors will be required under the 2013 Act to wait until a woman’s health deteriorates to the point where their life is at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28905/14]

Mick Wallace

Question:

218. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if the clinical guidance document to assist health professionals in the implementation of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 includes a clear referral pathway for women, who seek treatment under section 7 of the Act because of a risk to life arising from physical health which is not imminent and not inevitable, and for their general practitioners, crisis pregnancy counsellors or other service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28906/14]

Mick Wallace

Question:

219. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if the clinical guidance document to assist health professionals in the implementation of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 includes a referral pathway for the continuing care of women who seek treatment under section 7 of the Act because of physical health risk, section 8 for emergency care or section 9 where the risk is due to mental health issues and are refused such treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28907/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, together.

The Guidance Document has been developed to assist health professionals in operating the Act when providing care to pregnant women with life threatening conditions. The document identifies specific referral pathways for the implementation of different sections of the Act as well as setting out the roles and responsibilities of the different health professionals that might be involved in the care of a patient in relevant circumstances.

The relevant professional bodies continue to be responsible for issuing clinical guidelines to their members in relation to medical conditions that might be relevant to the Act as required.