Carol Nolan demands government action over babies born alive

Carol Nolan raised concerns about babies being born alive and conflicting clinical practice. She said assurances there would be no issue were contradicted by evidence from GPs and doctors and demanded the government explain what it will do.

Allegations of assurances and new evidence

She said members were given assurances that there would not be an issue with babies being born alive, and that when the matter was raised those concerns were dismissed. She told the house that evidence and facts are now coming to light from GPs and doctors themselves.

Minister's absence questioned

She criticised the absence of the Minister for Health, calling it shameful that the Minister for Health was not present to explain what would be done in response to the emerging evidence.

Conflict among doctors on diagnosis and care

She warned there is now conflict among doctors in diagnosing fatal fetal abnormality and in decisions over palliative care for babies born alive. She highlighted disputes in clinical practice as part of her appeal for clarity.

Demand for government action and condemnation

She asked what actions the government will take, insisted the issue must not be swept under the carpet, and described the situation as "barbaric and shameful." The speech called for an urgent official response to the allegations and clinical conflicts raised by medical practitioners.