Dr Martin said: "I constantly say, there is nothing in Catholic teaching which gives a priority to either the mother or the unborn child. They both have the same dignity and the great tradition in Ireland, in our hospitals, has been to be able to work to save both mother and child in difficult situations. I’d hate to see any weakening of that tradition and commitment."
He was critical of the portrayal of Ireland following the death of Savita Halappanavar.
"I think in some places there has been exaggeration, even in some of the talk here in Ireland to say Ireland is a dangerous place to be pregnant. I think phrases like that are not helpful." he said.