Danny Healy-Rae addressed this morning's debate to explain his pro-life position and to oppose the motion on grounds of personal belief. He argues for a three-day reflection period for mothers and highlights adoption as an option for couples who cannot have children.
Personal background and perspective
Danny Healy-Rae speaks from his own family experience, recalling raising six children and now having eight grandchildren. He frames his view as a personal, moral conviction and stresses the majesty and natural beauty of a newborn child.
Argument for a reflection period
Healy-Rae says a brief waiting time is not excessive, and that giving a mother three days to consider her position is reasonable. He repeats his belief that the baby has a right to live and that a short delay gives the mother time to reflect before a final decision.
Adoption and wider consequences
He also points to couples who long to raise children and could adopt, arguing that giving the baby a chance benefits those families. He concludes by stating he cannot subscribe to the motion while respecting his own beliefs, and asks colleagues to consider the baby in every decision.
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Thanks Cathaoirleach. I have listened to this debate continuously this morning and indeed I remember it so well going back eight and nine years ago. I suppose I have to say I'm pro-life and I think when a baby is born it's the most majestic and most natural thing and the most beautiful thing in the world. I'm lucky that in my time, myself and Eileen, we had six children and now we have eight grandchildren. We have to think of the baby and the situation they're in and we have to talk about them. I believe they have a right to live and I don't think to wait three more days and to give the mother a chance to reflect you know her position, I don't think it's too long to wait. That's my honest belief, my own belief. I have nothing personal against the proposals of this motion but I can't agree with it or subscribe to it. I say to you there are many couples in the country and indeed in the world who would love to have a baby and when they can't, at least to be able to adopt one. Look, I can't agree with your motion, I'm sorry, but I have my own personal beliefs and I think the baby is entitled to a chance to get a shot at this world.
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