Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
326. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if it is the policy of his Department to support measures designed to ensure that the number of termination of pregnancies can be reduced year on year; the practical supports he is putting in place to ensure that the number of termination of pregnancies does not continue to grow year on year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43211/23]
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 me as 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.
Moreover, it is hoped that the introduction of the free contraception scheme which was launched in September 2022, for women and girls ordinarily resident in Ireland, aged 17-25, will assist in reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies.
The scheme was extended to women aged 26 from January 1st 2023 and has been further expanded on 1st September, 2023, to include women aged 27 to 30 inclusive.
Approximately €31.5m was allocated to support the scheme in 2023. Almost 2,400 GPs and 1,900 pharmacies in all regions of the country have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date; it can be accessed across the country.
