Over 50 Women With Kerry Addresses Travelled To Britain For Abortions Last Year

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STATISTICS published on Thursday by the UK Department of Health show that 52 women giving Kerry addresses travelled to have an abortion in England or Wales in 2018.

This is up from 50 in 2017 and 49 in 2016. The figures show that the number of women giving Irish addresses who had an abortion in Britain was 2,879.

Kerry for Choice spokesperson Paula Dennan said: “These [Kerry] figures are broadly in line with previous years and show that, on average, one woman every week was forced to leave Kerry to access abortion care abroad. We also know these figures are the tip of the iceberg because they only include people who provided their Irish address. Many pregnant people use the UK address of family or friends. Some pregnant people access abortion services in countries other than England or Wales. Others resort to ordering abortion pills online.”

“Repealing the Eighth Amendment and the introduction of abortion services in Ireland earlier this year means the situation has changed for many pregnant people who are now able to recieve the abortion care they need here at home. However, there are still issues with the legislation.”

“We are conscious that boats and planes have been replaced by buses and trains as barriers to access still remain for people in rural Ireland. Provision around the country is inconsistent, with some counties having no GPs signed up to the HSE’s MyOptions Helpline. Women in Kerry who need an abortion between 9 and 12 weeks must travel to hospital in Cork or Waterford,” she said.

One Comment

  1. Matty O'Leary says:

    Very sad and unnecessary when there are so many affluent, secure and loving couples in Ireland that want to adopt a baby and have to seek children from abroad instead.

    The government should put in place positive measures to encourage and assist Irish women to have their children and give them up for adoption in Ireland instead.

    Maybe, the woman concerned should have access to free state sponsored accommodation provided by the state via the private sector (hotels, holiday homes), anywhere in the state along with tax and other state care, benefits or bonuses to assist them with their future development.

    It would be a real value to Irish society in a time of declining demography, the Irish state would want to cop-on and support the growth of the family.

    I have know Irish women who have gone down this cul de sac and they all have some form of regret (loss) on one level or another.

    It’s heart breaking, a permanent solution is never the answer to a temporary crisis.

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