Irish Abortions Begin
17.01.2019
Ireland’s new abortion law, one of the most permissive in Europe, came into effect on the 1stof January. It was signed into law by President Michael Higgins on 20thDecember. Minister for Health Simon Harris described this as an “historic day”.
The number of GPs who signed contracts with the HSE to provide abortion pills was much lower than the minister had hoped. Despite the relatively large fee being offered to doctors, only 165 had signed up by Christmas. This number rose gradually in the following weeks and is now believed to be slightly over 200.
It is believed that hospital abortions (beyond nine weeks of pregnancy) have also begun to take place. Nine of Ireland’s 19 maternity units are listed by the HSE as being ready to provide abortions. A small group of pro-life people gathered outside Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda to show support for unborn babies after it was rumoured that the country’s first surgical abortion was to take place there on 7thJanuary.