Vol. 419 No. 5
144 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the recent Supreme Court judgment allowing for abortion within certain circumstances, he will outline any specific plans his Department have for the provision of counselling services for women who have experienced abortions; and if he will publish a timetable for the implementation of these reforms.
Services to deal with the after effects of the termination of a pregnancy are already provided in each health board area, where needed, and have been availed of by women who have had pregnancy terminations abroad.
As regards psychological services, the necessary support services are provided in each area by multi-disciplinary teams of health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses and social workers. Additionally, valuable support services and counselling is provided by voluntary agencies.
