Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
2427. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if his Department advocates the use of dilation and evacuation in late-term abortions; if the electorate was informed in advance of the referendum campaign that such abortions would be illegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37783/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 sets out the grounds on which termination of pregnancy may legally be provided in this country. Beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy, the legislation permits termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; in emergency situations where there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; or where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth.
The Department of Health does not advocate on clinical procedures; it would not be appropriate for the Department to intervene in medical practice or decision-making. Medical practitioners are bound through professional regulatory mechanisms to operate in accordance with best medical practice. In addition, clinical guidelines for the provision of termination of pregnancy services, within the legal framework set out in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, have been developed by the relevant professional medical bodies.
A draft General Scheme of a Bill to Regulate Termination of Pregnancy was published on the Department of Health website in advance of the referendum held on 25 May 2018, so that voters would be aware of the Government’s policy/legislative intentions should the referendum pass. Key elements of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, in particular the grounds on which termination of pregnancy may be carried out, remain the same as those set out in the draft General Scheme published in March 2018.
