Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (1355)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1355. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if due cognisance was given to the implications of the removal of the words committing medical practitioners to make every effort to preserve the life of the baby when amending section 48 the 8th Edition of the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners published by the Medical Council as it relates to informing medical practitioners’ actions when dealing with cases in which babies survived abortions and were born alive. [62983/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners is developed and published by the Medical Council, in line with current legislation.

The development of professional and clinical guidelines on any medical issue, including on termination of pregnancy, is the responsibility of the professional groups concerned.

The Deputy can be assured that medical practitioners are bound through professional regulatory mechanisms to operate in accordance with best medical practice.