Ms Sinéad Kennedy:

Let me address the question of counselling. One barrier to access to post-abortion counselling is that abortion is criminalised in this State. Many women are aware that when they travel abroad to have an abortion or use the abortion pill, they are, in effect, doing something that is criminalised. This adds to the certain fear and stigma that might result in a reduction in the number of women who seek post-abortion counselling. Not every woman needs post-abortion counselling, however, as some women are quite happy with the decision they have made and believe it was right and valid for them.

The problem faced by women who do feel the need is compounded by the fact that there is such a considerable social stigma associated with abortion in the State. The services need to be regulated and expanded. One realises the need for regulation is very clear when one considers counselling for women before they travel abroad. I refer to crisis pregnancy counselling. Choice Ireland has done excellent work on revealing some of the so-called crisis pregnancy counselling services that bully or attempt to shame women when they choose to have an abortion. There are sometimes problems and confusion in that some counselling services may offer information on adoption and keeping the child but not on abortion. Sometimes it is not actually clear what services are available. Some women have experienced very distressing circumstances in that they found themselves bullied and attacked over their decision to have an abortion.

There needs to be a lot more regulation around these counselling services. There also needs to be an acknowledgement that for some women abortion can actually be a positive decision and there is not the need for counselling.