Vol. 424 No. 1
29 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health the number of women from this jurisdiction who had pregnancy terminations in Britain in the latest year for which figures are available; the services, if any, which are provided by the health boards in this country for post-termination health care or counselling, where this is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In 1991, the most recent year in respect of which data are available, 4,152 women resident in the State had pregnancy terminations in Britain.
In relation to the health and welfare needs of such women a broad range of services are currently provided by each health board. In the case of medical needs, obstetric and gynaecology services are available in public general hospitals which can be availed of where necessary.
As regards psychological and counselling services, the necessary support services are provided in each health board area by mutli-disciplinary teams of health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses and social workers. Additionally, valuable support services and counselling are provided by voluntary agencies which are in receipt of specific funding in that regard from my Department.
