Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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1683. To ask the Minister for Health whether it is proposed to accept the recommendations of the Marie O'Shea report into abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2026/25]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The recommendations of the Independent Review of the Operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 are focused on increasing access to services.

Significant progress has already been made in this regard, for instance six additional hospitals started providing termination services in 2023, an increase of 55%.

Termination services in early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks) are currently provided in 17 of the 19 maternity hospitals, with the remaining two expected to come onboard early this year.

There has also been a sustained increase in community providers, As of January 2025, there are 448 Termination of Pregnancy providers in the community. This includes 437 GP contractors and 11 women’s health services contractors.

While further rollout of services is envisaged to improve geographic spread, there is currently a good geographic spread of GPs providing the service to meet the needs of people who may need to access TOP services. There are currently GP’s providing services in each county.

Furthermore, the revised model of care which was introduced in response to the Covid pandemic, is now the enduring model of care. Under this blended approach, it is possible for one of the two consultations required for termination in early pregnancy to take place remotely.

This will alleviate the time and expense involved in travelling to the GP's surgery twice.

The cumulative effect of these measures, now in place, will substantially reduce barriers and increase access to services for those who need it.

Safe Access Legislation passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and was signed by the President on 7th May 2024 and came into effect on the 17th October 2024.

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