The terms of reference for the inquiry into the care given to the young woman who says she was raped and refused an abortion but later had her pregnancy delivered at 25 weeks are due to be published today.
They were circulated to affected parties last night to give them an opportunity to consult their legal representatives before publication.
The woman, who says she was raped before arriving in the State, was being consulted by her solicitor last night. She will be interviewed by the inquiry team, the membership of which was being finalised last night.
Tony O’Brien, the director general of the HSE, ordered the inquiry on Monday “to establish the full facts surrounding the matter”.
Among other affected parties is the HSE nurse who was the first to tell the woman she was pregnant and who referred her to the Irish Family Planning Association.
Psychological welfare
The IFPA contacted the HSE when the woman was about 16 weeks pregnant to express extreme concern for her psychological welfare. She has told how she attempted to take her own life around this time.
A GP the woman visited at about 23 weeks pregnant, who referred her to a hospital psychiatrist, is also likely to be interviewed.
The investigation will examine the care the young woman received from the time she was examined by the HSE in early April, until the time the baby was delivered.
The woman continues to receive psychiatric care in the community while the baby remains in hospital.
She has had no contact with the baby, who is likely to be taken into foster care.
