The Irish Times
reports today July 3
rd 2014 that
detailed abortion guidelines have been circulated to a number of health
professionals. It appears from a search of their websites however that no
formal announcement has yet been made, either by the HSE or the Department of
Health and Children, to the effect that the guidelines have been published.
Detailed guidance on the circumstances in which a woman may legally
have an abortion – when there is a real and substantial threat to her life –
have been circulated to some health professionals.
The guidelines, on implementing the Protection of Life
During Pregnancy Act, were drawn up by the Department of Health and are for all
clinicians who may be involved in managing pregnant women.
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act came into force
on January 1st, setting out for the first time the circumstances in which a
woman may legally access an abortion.
However, there were mounting concerns among health
professionals as to how the legislation could be used in practice without clear
guidelines. An implementation committee was appointed last year by the
department to draw up guidelines on how the legislation would work in practice.
The new guidelines outline procedures to be adhered to by
clinicians, including GPs, midwives, psychiatrists and obstetricians when there
is a real threat to a pregnant woman’s life that can only be averted by a
termination of pregnancy. The threat can be physical, a physical emergency or
by suicide.
The guidelines go into great detail on when a woman is
pregnant and suicidal. They say when there is suicidal intent, a termination is
legal where three doctors have examined the woman and “have jointly certified
in good faith that:
a) “there is a real and substantial risk of loss of the
woman’s life
b) this risk is one that can only be averted by a
termination of pregnancy, and
c) the medical practitioners have, in good faith, had regard
to the need to preserve unborn human life where practicable”.
One of the doctors must be an obstetrician-gynaecologist and
two must be psychiatrists.
When a woman completes her first assessment with a
psychiatrist and he or she is of the opinion that she is suicidal and requires
a termination to avert suicide, he or she “will certify on the prescribed form
and seek a second psychiatric assessment for the patient”.
Assessment
“If a woman has completed her first assessment with a
psychiatrist and [is] found to satisfy the requirements of the Act, but the
second psychiatrist disagrees or does not give an opinion, then the second
psychiatrist must inform the woman in writing that she has a right to apply for
a formal review of her case.”
If both psychiatrists agree she needs a termination she will
then be referred to an appropriate obstetrician/ gynaecologist for the
procedure.
The guidelines say that “where practicable” the woman’s GP
should be consulted. “However, this consultation can only take place if the
woman consents to it,” they say.
The guidelines say decisions should be made expeditiously
and relayed to the patient. If the psychiatrists do not believe the woman needs
a termination to save her life they will set out other options.
Clinicians will not have to assist in or carry out
terminations if they object on conscientious grounds. However: “Conscientious
objection is not applicable in emergencies where the woman’s life is at
immediate risk.”
