Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

668. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department will accept the recommendations of a report (details supplied) into abortion services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53547/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A review of the operation of the Health(Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was completed in 2023. The final report of the review made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature and are focused on increasing access to services. Significant progress has been made, in this regard. Termination services in early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks) are currently provided in all maternity hospitals.

There has also been a sustained increase in community providers, which currently stands at 468.

Furthermore, the revised model of care introduced in response to the Covid pandemic was approved as 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 alleviates the time and expense involved in travelling to the doctor’s surgery twice.

Safe Access Zones legislation came into effect on Thursday, 17 October 2024, under the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024.

My department will continue to work with HSE, to ensure that there is safe and equitable access to termination of pregnancy, for those who need it.