Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
ALMOST 90 PER CENT of respondents to a nationwide survey of psychiatrists have expressed concern with the Government’s plan to include the risk of suicide as grounds for an abortion under forthcoming legislation.
113 of 127 psychiatrists, who took part in a survey organised by four of their peers, said they agreed with a statement that they were “deeply concerned” about plans to legislate for suicidality as grounds for an abortion being carried out.
The statement asked psychiatrists whether they believed that allowing suicide as grounds for an abortion “has no basis in the medical evidence available”.
They also affirmed that the proposals “must be based on a rigorous appraisal of the available psychiatric research and medical evidence”.
“We as psychiatrists are being called upon to participate in a process that is not evidence-based and we do not believe that this should be asked of the profession,” the statement further added.
The survey was sent to 302 consultant psychiatrists, with 127 responses received.
The Supreme Court ruling in the X Case – the first case where the Irish Constitution was found to allow abortion under any circumstances – specifically identified suicide as grounds for an abortion, on the basis that it posed a threat to the life of the mother.
Medical practitioners have regularly warned that abortion has never been identified as a valid medical treatment to treat depression or suicidal thoughts, however – with pro-life campaigners saying that formally permitting it could be abused to allow a more liberal regime.
One of the four psychiatrists who organised the survey, Dr Bernie McCabe – who has previously written to public representatives outlining similar fears – said she was “not surprised” that so many colleagues believed the government’s proposals were flawed.
“As members of the medical profession, we have a duty to our patients to adopt best practice and an evidence-based approach to everything we do. The fact is that there is no evidence that abortion is a treatment for suicidality in pregnancy and may in fact be harmful to women,” she said.
“The Government must take this into account and reconsider its proposals.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Interesting, will America listen ?
They won’t bloody stop listening!
Why didn’t they lead the way against gm foods grown here even though majority of Europeans are against it. It got through cause an abstention automatically means a yes, WHY?
There should be more media coverage of EU decisions like this, as a member we implement the changes to n these decisions can often be far bigger than our own at home.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/gm-corn-gets-controversial-eu-ahead-202442678.html#6gTHmUF
What study determined that the ‘majority’ of Europeans are against it? I’m genuinely curious.
It has been shown time and time again that Europeans are against it, as are Irish people. Keep it out I say.
How has it been shown? You have to substantiate such claims.
I have no real opinion on the matter, myself.
Nevermind EU White fang it’s being rejected by people world wide China just rejected a shipment of GM corn other country’s are against GM
Take an hour or two to read up on this subject & Monsanto you will be shocked at the rejection it’s receiving and rightly so the stuffs not good for ye
I have heard bad things about Mosanto alright, Foxy. I’ve been meaning to do more research into GM foods though, before I form an opinion.
I just don’t think the majority out there oppose it. I’d say the most are like me, and know little about it. Which is worrying.
I think you found the problem and solution
It’s up to the people to educate themselves and others about subjects like this nobody else is going to
True, the media doesn’t seem too interested in the subject, so I guess it’s up to each individual to source information.
Here some mate. Just a bit to get started. If you do start to look further you might notice a lot of surveys that suggest there is less concern about gms but the have the pattern of surveys that have loaded questions and with leading results, no flat out questions asked. keep an eye for that buddy.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/europeans-wary-of-gmo-foods-2137817.html
Thanks Joe, that’s exactly what I was looking for!
The EU is a million times worse than the US
At least in the US they all speak the same language
Wrong Sean, every day you manage to outdo yourself. Haha.
What kind of clown are you?
Sean. You really are a complete hatstand.
The Internet is a wild animal, one minute they think they’ve got it tamed, Napster, Limewire etc
Good cop bad cop same agenda.
Nail on the head
The US probably has Hollandes phone bugged already thinking he’s a terrorist. Most of us are in their eyes.
Not a specy one
Interesting contrast between this and other recent stories on the same subject.
Derek Keating & Sean Kelly should really take note.
have your say