The National Association of GPs has passed a motion calling on the Minister for Health to clarify that he does not intend, through legislation, to make a termination of pregnancy service part of routine general practice.
The NAGP also wants the Mr Harris to say if he will support an "opt-in" provision for doctors who wish to provide a termination of pregnancy service and that he will commit to providing the appropriate resources to those providers enabling a safe and effective service.
The NAGP is seeking talks with the Government on all issues relating to proposed legislation and service delivery.
Around 50 GPs attended today’s extraordinary general meeting in Portlaoise which lasted around three hours.
NAGP President Dr Maitiu O’Tuathail said he expected more GPs to attend today’s meeting but he felt the outcome represented the views of GPs.
Today's meeting was closed to the media and public but there will be a briefing afterwards on the outcome.
The NAGP, which says it has 2,100 members, said it respects the decision of the people in the referendum.
The association said it was important to note that there has been no discussion to date between the NAGP, the Department of Health or the Health Service Executive, on any of the issues arising.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Dr O’Tuathail said the meeting had been called to discuss the views of GPs on their role in providing a safe, respectful and supportive service for Irish women.
Speaking before the start of the meeting, he said there were many issues including the provision of counselling services, access to ultrasound and the supports to be provided by hospitals.
A spokesperson for the Minister for Health said Mr Harris and his Department have always been very clear that engagement with GP bodies is a vital part of the work that needs to be carried out, in order to give effect to the mandate given by the people of Ireland in the recent referendum.
The Department of Health is already engaging with general practice through the Irish College of General Practitioners.
The spokesperson said the Department has held very productive meetings with the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Physicians and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, to discuss the service issues that will arise from legislation to regulate the termination of pregnancy and the clinical guidelines that will be needed.
Separate to the engagement with doctors' professional bodies, contractual discussions will also be required regarding the provision of services by GPs to medical card patients.