'End shock therapy and lobotomies,' demand Greens
Green Party senators will introduce a bill at the Seanad today aimed attending the practice of forced electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and psycho-surgery, more popularly known as 'lobotomy' at Irish hospitals.
Senator Deirdre de Búrca said: "The issue of informed consent is critical where the use of controversial psychiatric procedures such as ECT are concerned."
"Our Private Members Bill – "Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008 – aims to prohibit the involuntary use of ECT and ends the practice of psycho-surgery."
Senator Dan Boyle added: "Seanad Éireann is an appropriate forum to initiate debates of this nature and to reform aspects of legislation in ways that Dáil Éireann cannot.
"This Bill gives the Seanad the opportunity of acting independently in addition to allowing the Green Party Senators to show our ability to act on our own initiative in progressing important policy decisions."
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