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Top obstetrician, Dr Sam Coulter-Smith Master of the Rotunda has told a major conference of doctors that an intervention that is required to save a mother's life in pregnancy should not be called an abortion.

His view was previously stressed by leading Irish Obstetricians who pointed out that intervening to save a mother's life was not an abortion, even where it lead to the death of the baby since there was no intention to harm the child.

"I think that is an important one because we are talking about a termination of pregnancy, bringing a pregnancy to a conclusion in order to save a mothers life - I don't think we should call that an abortion," said Dr Coulter Smith, who is master of Ireland's busiest maternity hospital.

He said that he was required to make such interventions four times last year, stressing they should not be called abortions.

"I think we should find another term for it," he continued. "I think labelling a woman who has had an wanted pregnancy who has some sort of illness where we have to terminate that pregnancy, calling that an abortion, I think is wrong. It may seem like a small point but I think from the mother's point of view, I think it is hugely important."

Dr Coulter-Smith made his remarks at the Irish Medical Organisation's conference during a session entitled 'Medical Ethical issues from the Beginning to the End of Life'.

He added that for Irish Obstetricians in "these are situations where delivery of the baby has to be expatiated ...it is important to stress that absolutely all efforts are made to save the baby, the foetus, in all situations".

He also added that suicide should not be included as a grounds for abortion in any legislation. "Most people accept that termination is not treatment for suicide ideation," he told the medical audience.

Incredibly, the Irish Independent reported his remarks the following day under the headline: 'I carried out four abortions in past year to save lives, says doctor'

An irate-sounding Dr Coulter-Smith told the Today with Pat Kenny Show on RTE that morning that the headline was factually incorrect and irresponsible.

LINKS

• WATCH: Dr Sam Coulter-Smith’s address at the conference

• INTERVIEW with Dr. Coulter-Smith on Today with Pat Kenny
• Today with Pat Kenny

• News in the Journal re Sam Coulter Smiths comments