Ó Caoláin in Dáil on abortion legislation ‘brilliant and very compassionate’

'I have been baffled by the arguments of some who describe themselves as pro-life but who will, in their rigid adherence to a black and white view of the world, countenance the loss of a woman’s life, always some other woman’s life, or the life of another’s wife or partner or daughter'

THE DÁIL SPEECH by Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD during Thursday’s debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill was widely acclaimed across the political spectrum.

It was described by one commentator in a tweet to RTÉ Radio’s Late Debate as “actually superb”; another called it “brilliant, sober and very compassionate”.

During his contribution, Caoimhghín said that Sinn Féin welcomed the legislation even though it is not perfect (“Far from it”). He said:

“We must safeguard the lives of women. We must provide legal clarity and ensure there are clear guidelines for clinicians.

“And, let no one forget, we must act at all times in strict adherence to the people’s wishes as laid down in the relevant articles in the Constitution.”

He added:

“I have been baffled by the arguments of some who describe themselves as pro-life but who will, in their rigid adherence to a black and white view of the world, countenance the loss of a woman’s life, always some other woman’s life, or the life of another’s wife or partner or daughter.

“They never contemplate for a moment that it might be their life or their wife’s or partner’s or daughter’s life. But what would their answer be if the woman in the hospital bed was not known by the name Savita but bore their name or the name of someone they loved. Would their position change or would they be prepared to take or to see her take the risk?

“I am pro-life. I could not countenance risking the life of the wife I love or our daughters in such circumstances, in any circumstances.

“It is beyond me how some can be so sure it will never be about them or those close to them. God grant that that be so.”

In his introduction, he said that few pieces of legislation in the history of the Dáil have been as widely debated and anticipated prior to their publication as the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

“The issues have been addressed in great detail in the Oireachtas Health & Children Committee of which I am a member. I participated in all the hearings both on the report of the Expert Group and on the Heads of the Bill. While some cynics have dismissed these hearings, I believe they deepened awareness, both in the Oireachtas and in public discourse generally, by giving voice to widespread expertise and to views across the spectrum. It was an exercise in participatory democracy.

“Far better to have these complex issues addressed in a calm and considered way, based on evidence and on reasoned argument, than to have the type of hysterical so-called debates on the issue of abortion that we saw too often in the past.

“That is not to say that there are not still very strongly and, in most cases, very sincerely held views on all sides on this most difficult issue. Nor is it to ignore the ugly tactics engaged in by some, but by no means all, who are opposed to this legislation. I believe, by and large, the debate has been conducted in a far more reasonable manner than before and that is positive.

“For our part, this necessary legislation is welcomed by Sinn Féin.

I commend the Taoiseach and Health Minister Reilly and the Fine Gael/Labour Coalition for their follow-through on this issue, despite considerable opposition from church and advocacy voices.

“We have stated consistently that legislation in line with the X Case judgement and in compliance with the ABC case judgement and the Expert Group recommendations is required. In fact, it is long overdue.

“We believe there is now a very widely held view, and we would say a majority view, in Irish society that legislation along the lines originally set out in the Heads of the Bill, and now in this legislation, is necessary.

“We must safeguard the lives of women. We must provide legal clarity. We must ensure that there are clear guidelines for clinicians. And, let no one forget, we must act at all times in strict adherence to the peoples wishes as laid down in the relevant articles of our Constitution.

“For many, and I include myself, this has been and is a difficult issue. I have always been and remain pro-life. Yet I must face the fact that the lives of some are placed at a real and substantial risk due to their pregnancy and that only a termination of the pregnancy, as distinct from a termination of the life of the unborn, though that can be a consequence of the intervention, is going to save her life. This is already accepted practice in Ireland.

“It is also the current legal position, as is an intervention where the woman’s life is at real and substantial risk due to the threat of suicide.

“The Irish Medical Council guidelines for all registered medical practitioners states, and I quote:

Abortion is illegal in Ireland except where there is a real and substantial risk to the life (as distinct from the health) of the mother. Under current legal precedent, this exception includes where there is a clear and substantial risk to the life of the mother arising from a threat of suicide. You should undertake a full assessment of any such risk in light of the clinical research on this issue.

“As a legislator I have a responsibility, as do all members of the Dáil and Seanad, to evaluate all legislation as it will or might apply in practice, mindful of all the circumstances that do and can present. I must fulfill my role in the interest of all the people and not just those who may share my personal religious, moral or ethical outlook on any given issue. This I have always strived to do.

“It is not right that I or any section of Irish opinion should seek to impose our outlook or will on society generally and certainly not where the consequences of doing so could result in the loss of a pregnant woman’s life. That could, in reality, be the loss of two lives.

“I have been baffled by the arguments of some who describe themselves as pro-life but who will, in their rigid adherence to a black and white view of the world, countenance the loss of a woman’s life, always some other woman’s life, or the life of another’s wife or partner or daughter. They never contemplate for a moment that it might be their life or their wife’s or partner’s or daughter’s life.

“But what would their answer be if the woman in the hospital bed was not known by the name Savita but bore their name or the name of someone they loved. Would their position change or would they be prepared to take or to see her take the risk?

“I am pro-life. I could not countenance risking the life of the wife I love or our daughters in such circumstances, in any circumstances.

“It is beyond me how some can be so sure it will never be about them or those close to them. God grant that that be so.

“Make no mistake about it. This Bill is about what it says in the title. This legislation is about protecting the life and lives of women during pregnancy where a real and substantial risk presents. It happens. All too sadly, it happens. And we cannot close our eyes to this fact.”

He also said:

“The whole debate around this then-promised Bill was of course thrown into sharp focus by the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar. The HSE report on her death was published last week on the same day as this Bill and because of its direct relevance to this legislation I wish to comment on it.

“I take this opportunity again to extend deepest sympathy to Praveen Halappanavar and all the relatives and friends of Savita.

“Like the outcome of the inquest, the Report is a damning indictment and has far-reaching implications.”

He ended:

“As I stated last December in the debate on the Expert Group Report, we are obliged to legislate.

“All Teachtaí Dála have an obligation to address this need and to step up to the mark as legislators.

“We have to approach this Bill with compassion and understanding and respect.

“I believe that now, more than ever, the majority of people know the complexity of this issue and know that simple black and white attitudes are inadequate and insufficient to address what is involved.”