Sir, – Breda O’Brien discusses fatal foetal anomaly largely in abstract terms, but behind every statistic is a family who desperately wanted a baby and then received devastating news (“We only talk about access to abortion – never the reasons why women choose it,” May 17th).
Section 11 of the 2018 Act applies only in the gravest circumstances, where two specialists certify that a baby is likely to die before or within 28 days of birth. These are not casual decisions. They involve conditions such as trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and anencephaly, and they are among the most painful situations any person can face.
While survival statistics are sometimes cited, they can obscure the profound suffering and severe complications these pregnancies can involve for both women and babies, including big maternal health risks such as severe bleeding and placental complications.
The three-day waiting period is also paternalistic and medically unnecessary. Women facing these diagnoses have almost always reflected extensively before presenting for care.
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In such time-sensitive situations, delays matter: earlier access to abortion is safer and less medically complex. Mandatory waiting periods do not create compassion; they create additional distress at moments of profound vulnerability.
Families facing these diagnoses deserve empathy, evidence-based care and the support of their own doctors and communities in Ireland.
Yours, etc,
DR BRIAN KENNEDY, GP,
MSc Women’s Health,
Nenagh,
Co Tipperary.
