Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
44. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his Department has sought to ascertain the reason there has been a 26% increase in abortions undertaken in Ireland in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17710/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 permits termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth; and without restriction up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
It is a priority for the Minister that those experiencing unplanned pregnancy in Ireland should be in a position to assess their options without bias or judgment.
To support an individual in making an informed decision, the My Options service offers non-directive counselling and information for people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Information is available about all options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services. The ethos of the service is client centred and counsellors take their lead from the person contacting them for information and support.
Those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy who contact MyOptions are provided with a service staffed by experienced accredited counsellors. All counselling is provided in a non-judgemental, non-directive manner, which allows the individual experiencing the pregnancy (and their partner) the time and space to make the best decision for them. The individual is supported by the counsellor in whatever decision is made and counselling can continue throughout a pregnancy.
