Enda Kenny: The constitution made me do it.

Here below is the note I received from Sean Kyne T.D (member of parliament) the local lobby fodder for the party led by Kermit Kenny. It is notable for its mastery of Truth Speak and obfuscation. A bill for instance called Protection of Maternal Life is in fact about providing abortion in what is claimed to be limited circumstances. The objection to it is that it offers abortion in the case of suicidal intent where that seems a genuine intent and abortion would be a cure for it. How is this to be assessed? By two psychiatrists and an obstetrician. The scenario of expert coaching to present the correct clinical picture suggests itself. How could you expect a psychiatrist to take the risk of being wrong? Pro abortion groups will be on the look out for women who might be prepared to flout the intention of the constitution. A sort of suicide mission will be devised.

Sean Kyne will receive my answer at the ballot box at the next election. Brian Walsh (F.G.) if he sticks to his position and defies the whip will do well. I expect Eamon O’Cuiv and the Fianna Fail party to do well. This is a voting issue.

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Subject:
Re: Abortion Bill
From:
Sean Kyne
Date:
14/05/13 11:14
To:

Dear

Thank you for your email on this matter. Please accept my apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I’m certain you’ll appreciate that I’ve received a great deal of correspondence on this issue alone, along with correspondence on all the other various issues.

Shortly after the last election I began to receive correspondence on the issue of abortion. I made abundantly clear to everyone who contacted me, irrespective of their views, that the Constitution and the decisions of the Supreme Court must be respected at all times. This is not only based on Articles 6 and 34.4.6 of the Bunreacht but also on the fact that respect for the Constitution and the legal process is what marks us out as a democracy.

This is an issue on which very strong and disparate views are sincerely held. However, I think all citizens expect and rightly demand that pregnant women receive all necessary medical treatment.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill will bring clarity, certainty and safety to both women and medical personnel. It will, in effect, codify the law as it already exists since the 1992 Supreme Court decision – a decision that was made within the parameters of the earlier 1983 Constitutional Amendment.

This legislation deals with the situation where there is a significant threat to the life of an expectant mother, and there is no alternative except for a medical intervention. It also recognises the extremely rare cases of suicidal intent on the part of the expectant mother and proposes a rigorous but fair system of assessment. It’s important to remember that the rigorous assessment is necessary because of the Constitution which provides equal protection to the lives of both mother and unborn child.

From this Friday, for three days, the Oireachtas Health Committee will hold a series of hearings on the Heads of the Legislation. This will again provide a forum for examination and respectful debate in advance of the debate which will accompany the passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas over the next two months.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Seán
Seán Kyne TD