An organization that represents some (or all?) doctors in Ireland has said no thanks to abortion legislation to protect the lives of pregnant women.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has rejected a motion calling for regulation in relation to the provision of abortion where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the mother.
In a heated and occasionally bad-tempered debate at the organisation’s annual conference in Killarney, doctors also voted against a motion calling for legislation to allow abortion in Ireland in cases of rape or incest. They also voted against a motion calling on the Government to legislate for the provision of abortion for women with non-viable foetal abnormalities.
So the majority is fine with the arrangement that led to the death of Savita Halappanavar.
Wow.
No need to fret, Ophelia. All the future Savitas still have their agency. They can choose to be happy about being forced to die or they can choose to be bad tempered about it.
Oops. I shouldn’t have used the word “forced”. After all, some of those women might feel stigmatised by such strong language.
Disturbing. All the moreso because if they were even slightly honest they’d acknowledge that every pregnancy presents a risk to the life of the mother.
this news makes my blood run cold
How many members of the IMO who voted against abortion legislation are men?
As a doctor, I remember all my mistakes with patients’ care and wondering if I can do better. I am appalled that these doctors are not questioning their practices when a woman dies. I just don’t know what to say. I did look up the no. of women doctors in Ireland. In 2006, 36% of doctors were women. I don’t know if having more women doctors in Ireland would help.
They don’t represent all Irish doctors, but they are the sole professional negotiating body for Irish doctors.
They shame us.
It seems to me that these doctors are in violation of the Hippocratic oath, and a disgrace to their profession. The fact that there were many votes in favour is hopeful, though.