Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Ectopic Pregnancies.

John McGuinness

Question:

239 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider a campaign to create an awareness regarding ectopic pregnancies and to make information leaflets and packs available through health boards, general practitioners, hospitals and so on; if support and counselling will be made available to women when they are first informed that they have an ectopic pregnancy; if there is statistical information available on the number of women who would have had this type of pregnancy and their age profile; if there is a trust or organisation here such as EPSN in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4371/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of counselling and support services for women who have had an ectopic pregnancy is a matter in the first instance for the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA and the health boards. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the ERHA and the chief executive officers of the health boards to advise the Deputy of the existing services available in this area and of any proposed developments at regional level.

The health promotion unit does not propose, at present, to carry out a national awareness raising campaign or to produce literature on ectopic pregnancy, as suggested by the Deputy. However, the situation will be kept under review. I am not aware of the existence of a trust or organisation in Ireland that deals specifically with the issue of ectopic pregnancy. However, I understand that the Miscarriage Association of Ireland, as part of its core services, provides support, help and information for women and their families who have suffered an ectopic pregnancy.

Statistical information on the number of women who have had this type of pregnancy and their age profile is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.