Sir, – I was charmed to see that under the new reopening roadmap published by the Government, pregnant people will be able to travel on public transport that’s at full capacity; they’ll be able to return to their offices; they’ll be able to see a live gig in an indoor venue, with an indoor meal beforehand alongside their fellow fully-vaccinated citizens; and they’ll be able to head to Croke Park and sit among sports fans, some vaccinated and some not.
What they won’t be able to do is have their partners with them for all hospital scans and appointments, holding their hand as they hear good news or bad.
They’ll be alone for the start of their labour, and for much of the days after giving birth, depending on the whims of the maternity hospital in which they find themselves – and regardless of the vaccination status of their partner.
I am glad for live performers, and the entertainment industry that there has been so much noise on their behalf, and rightly so, but the deafening silence when it comes to the rights of pregnant people is nothing short of a travesty, and a harsh indictment on this Government and its priorities.
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Still though, at least there’ll be 1,150 extra tickets for the All-Ireland final.
– Yours, etc,
ALISON TREACY,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.