Nearly 50 Women Gave Kerry Address When Seeking Abortion Services In UK Last Year

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THERE were 49 women who gave Kerry addresses when accessing abortion services in England and Wales in 2016, according to statistics published by the UK Department of Health.

 

This annual report, published by the UK Department of Health, presents statistics on abortions carried out in England and Wales, and has been published in the current format since 2002.

In 2016, there were 3,265 abortions for Republic of Ireland carried out in hospitals and clinics in England and Wales. Women from the island of Ireland accounted for 83% of legal abortions provided to non-residents in 2016.

See table below of county breakdown…

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Reacting to the figures, Kerry for Choice spokesperson Roesia Foley said: “These figures only include those who provided their Irish address. We suspect the real number of Irish women seeking abortions is much higher as many women use the UK address of family or friends. Some women access abortion services in countries other than England or Wales. Others resort to ordering the safe, but illegal in Ireland, abortion pills online and risking 14 years in prison.”

Ms Foley said it was “unacceptable” that one woman every week must leave Kerry to access the healthcare they need: “One woman every week leaves Kerry to access abortion services abroad. They should not be forced to travel by Ireland’s hypocrisy. One woman every week leaving Kerry, is one too many. These women should be able to access the healthcare they need at home. How many more will it take to repeal the Eighth Amendment and introduce free, safe and legal in Ireland?”

Kerry for Choice is calling on people to join them on Saturday, June 17th for a rally in the Square, Tralee at 1pm.

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