University Maternity Hospital Limerick can now carry out abortions

UNIVERSITY Maternity Hospital Limerick can now carry out abortion services as of this Tuesday morning, the HSE has announced.

This comes after President Michael D Higgins signed the termination of pregnancies into law on December 20 last, following a landmark 66.4% Yes vote in the May 25 referendum.

Limerick city voted 66.87% in favour of legalising abortion, while the county voted 58.08% in favour of the practice.

The HSE was unable to provide a number of GPs that have signed up for abortion services, and it is understood that family planning clinics have yet to get the full green light for the service this week.

Abortion care will be free of charge under HSE care, a spokesperson said.

Dr Peter Boylan, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, who is working with the HSE to support the rolling out of abortion services said the health is “ready to provide abortion services” for those who need it.

“Clinical guidance and training has been provided and circulated to healthcare teams nationwide to assist practitioners in the clinical decision making involved in providing abortion care.

“A lot of work has been done by people across our health service to prepare for this new service, with a sufficient number of GPs signed up and others continuing to do so. Services will be provided in GP practices and family planning services, and maternity units and hospitals across the country,” he said.

The HSE has launched its My Options website for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or are seeking abortion services.

My Options offers non-directive, free counselling and information for people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Information is available about all options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services.

Helen Deely from the HSE’s Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme outlined the supports offered by My Options, saying:

“We’re here to help you, with professional counsellors, if you want to talk to someone, have a question about continued pregnancy supports, or want information about abortion services. The HSE’s My Options service is free of charge and you can contact us at Freephone 1800 828 010.”

A spokesperson added: "People can access an abortion in Ireland from today, January 1, 2019. This means that GPs and family planning services who have signed up to provide the service will be able to begin caring for patients who want to have an abortion from this date. The following maternity units and hospitals will be providing abortion care, and it is expected that other hospitals will begin to provide abortion care in the near future.

"A lot of work is ongoing to set up services to care for women, and the HSE will provide information to women and to healthcare professionals about where and how services are available as they come on stream."

The Limerick Leader will be publishing useful information in relation to abortion services locally this Tuesday morning.