Advertisement

News

Over 88% Of GPs Do Not Provide Abortion Services

Less than one in nine GPs are providing abortion services. And just over half of the country's mater...


Over 88% Of GPs Do Not Provide...

News

Over 88% Of GPs Do Not Provide Abortion Services


Less than one in nine GPs are providing abortion services.

And just over half of the country's maternity units carry out pregnancy terminations - over three years after they became legal here.

GPs are can carry out the service within the first nine weeks of pregnancy.

Yet, according to Freedom of Information figures, only 405 GPs provide them.

There are about 3,500 GPs across the country - meaning over 88 per cent don't.

Peigin  Doyle, spokesperson for the Sligo Action for Reproductive Rights Access, says without a GP in the county offering the service, many women have had to travel to Roscommon or Donegal.

"It puts people in a very difficult situation."

Meanwhile those seeking an abortion past the 9 week mark must attend a hospital to receive treatment.

But only 10 of the 19 maternity sites are providing elective abortion care for women under 12 weeks' pregnant.

The HSE says it's working to increase the availability of abortion services in hospitals but the current availability has been heavily criticised by the National Women's Council.

 



Read more about

Abortion GPs Healthcare Women's Health

You might like