Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
676. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the maternity hospitals, units which currently conduct medical procedures as outlined under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; the maternity hospitals, units which do not provide these services; the actions he is taking to ensure all hospitals, units provide these services, including in emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 Act, services for termination of pregnancy are available in this country in both hospital and community settings. Terminations up to 9 weeks of pregnancy are provided in the community setting. Terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy are currently available in 11 of the 19 maternity hospitals/units. The hospitals in question are listed on the HSE’s website: www2.hse.ie/conditions/abortion/how-to-get/in-hospital/
The HSE has advised that all 19 maternity hospitals/units also offer a range of support services in relation to termination of pregnancy, including:
- Supporting women with any post termination complications;
- Provision of ultrasound scanning, where required; and
- Management of Fatal Foetal Anomaly cases.
It is Government policy that termination of pregnancy services, under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, should be provided in all 19 maternity hospitals/units. In that regard, the Department of Health continues to engage with the HSE in relation to plans for the further rollout of termination services in additional maternity hospitals/units. It is envisaged that termination in early pregnancy will commence in a number of other maternity hospitals/units in 2022.
