Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Ireland |
Gestational limit: 12
Read more Gestational limit
A termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner where, having examined the pregnant woman, he or she is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that the pregnancy concerned has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy. “12 weeks of pregnancy” shall be construed in accordance with the medical principle that pregnancy is generally dated from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. It is defined as 12 weeks plus zero days. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ireland |
Economic or social reasonsNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5.
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Foetal impairmentNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3.
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WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3.
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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo |
Mental healthYes Related documents:Gestational limit
here is no gestational limit in cases when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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Physical healthYes Related documents:Gestational limit
here is no gestational limit in cases when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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Gestational limit
here is no gestational limit in cases when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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Gestational limit
here is no gestational limit in cases when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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OtherCondition affecting the foetus that is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before, or within 28 days of, birth Related documents: |
| Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ireland |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Related documents:
Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
As per the 2018 Draft Model of Care, a risk to the life or serious harm to the health of a person who is over 12 weeks pregnant must be certified by two clinicians, one of whom is an obstetrician. Where a condition exists which is likely to lead to the death of the fetus either before or within 28 days of birth, certification by two clinicians is required, one of whom must be an obstetrician. Both clinicians must be on the relevant specialist register. The Interim Clinical Guidance related to risk to life or health further states that An appropriate medical practitioner is one who is on the specialist register of the Medical Council of Ireland, who may be an Obstetrician, a Psychiatrist (who preferably has expertise in perinatal mental health), or a Physician with expertise in the medical or surgical disorder that is relevant to the risk to maternal health and life. It also recommends that Obstetric Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) discussions take place for individual cases, which would form an important component of the assessment of the risk to life or health. This guidance also provides details of the review process in case a physician does not certify to facilitate an abortion.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by hospital authorities may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Restrictions on the range of providers or facilities that are authorized to provide abortion reduce the availability of services and their equitable geographic distribution. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.4.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.
Additional notesIf there is no contactable parent or guardian, a social worker may be authorised by the District Court to give consent. This also applies to children in foster care for less than five years. If the child is the subject of a voluntary care order, consent is required from the parents unless a Court order is given dispensing with such consent. In respect of children under interim or emergency care orders, an application should be made to the District Court. Again, every effort would be made to contact and seek consent from the parents. In relation to children under a full care order, it is best practice to seek consent from parents but the HSE is authorised to give consent under the Child Care Act to medical or psychiatric treatment. Related documents: |
Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNot Applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
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Police report required in case of rapeNot Applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
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Parental consent required for minorsYes Can another adult consent in place of a parent?Yes If there is no contactable parent or guardian, a social worker may be authorised by the District Court to give consent. This also applies to children in foster care for less than five years. If the child is the subject of a voluntary care order, consent is required from the parents unless a Court order is given dispensing with such consent. In respect of children under interim or emergency care orders, an application should be made to the District Court. Again, every effort would be made to contact and seek consent from the parents. In relation to children under a full care order, it is best practice to seek consent from parents but the HSE is authorised to give consent under the Child Care Act to medical or psychiatric treatment. Age where consent not needed
If there is no contactable parent or guardian, a social worker may be authorised by the District Court to give consent. This also applies to children in foster care for less than five years. If the child is the subject of a voluntary care order, consent is required from the parents unless a Court order is given dispensing with such consent. In respect of children under interim or emergency care orders, an application should be made to the District Court. Again, every effort would be made to contact and seek consent from the parents. In relation to children under a full care order, it is best practice to seek consent from parents but the HSE is authorised to give consent under the Child Care Act to medical or psychiatric treatment. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by parents may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
Additional notesIn cases of minors between 16 and 17 years who choose not to involve an adult, the doctor can offer an abortion only if they are confident that the minor understands the information provided and can give valid consent. In the case of minors of 15 years or under who choose not to involve an adult, a doctor can offer an abortion if there are exceptional circumstances and an assessment has been completed. Furthermore, the 2018 Draft Model of Care states that young people, aged under 18 years, are encouraged to involve their parents or another supportive adult.” |
Spousal consentNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by a spouse may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers, one example of which is the requirement for mandatory ultrasound prior to abortion, that hinder access to and timely provision of safe abortion care should be removed. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 7 - Recommendation.
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Compulsory counsellingNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Many women have made a decision to have an abortion before seeking care, and this decision should be respected without subjecting a woman to mandatory counselling. Provision of counselling to women who desire it should be voluntary, confidential, non-directive and by a trained person. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.1.8.1.
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Compulsory waiting periodYes Waiting period
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should consider eliminating waiting periods that are not medically required, and expanding services to serve all eligible women promptly. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.6.
Additional notesUnder 12 weeks of pregnancy, the person is eligible to have the termination of pregnancy on the third day following certification. For terminations of pregnancy carried out under section 9 (risk to life or health), section 10 (risk to life or health in an emergency) or section 11 (condition likely to lead to death of fetus) of the legislation, the 3 day requirement does not apply Related documents: |
Mandatory HIV screening testNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
Additional notesThe 2018 Draft Model of Care has a care pathway that states “Provide an STI risk assessment, as appropriate.” |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement, p 10 - Recommendation.
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Restrictions on information provided to the publicNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should refrain from limiting access to means of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, including censoring, withholding or intentionally misrepresenting health-related information. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.7.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
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Other |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ireland |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes
Dilatation and evacuationYes The Interim Clinical Guidance Riskt to Life or Health of a Pregnant Woman in relation to Termination of Pregnancy of 2019 states that it is unlikely that surgical termination of pregnancy after 12 weeks will be widely available nor that D&E after 14 weeks will be offered in Ireland in 2019, but this may change over time. Additionally, as per the Interim Clinical Guidance related to Fatal Fetal Anomalies, feticide refers to induced fetal demise performed as part of termination of pregnancy procedure. Feticide should only be performed in tertiary referral centres where there are fetal medicine specialists with the appropriate level of training. Feticide is most commonly performed before medical termination for FFA/LLC after 21 weeks and 6 days of gestation to ensure that there is no chance of a live birth.
Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (63 DAYS) As per the Interim Clinical Guidance related to Fatal Fetal Anomalies, feticide refers to induced fetal demise performed as part of termination of pregnancy procedure. Feticide should only be performed in tertiary referral centres where there are fetal medicine specialists with the appropriate level of training. Feticide is most commonly performed before medical termination for FFA/LLC after 21 weeks and 6 days of gestation to ensure that there is no chance of a live birth.
Misoprostol onlyNot specified As per the Interim Clinical Guidance related to Fatal Fetal Anomalies, feticide refers to induced fetal demise performed as part of termination of pregnancy procedure. Feticide should only be performed in tertiary referral centres where there are fetal medicine specialists with the appropriate level of training. Feticide is most commonly performed before medical termination for FFA/LLC after 21 weeks and 6 days of gestation to ensure that there is no chance of a live birth.
Other (where provided)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Vacuum aspiration is the recommended technique of surgical abortion for pregnancies of up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. The procedure should not be routinely completed by dilatation and sharp curettage (D&C). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 1- Recommendation.
Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol; misoprostol alone) are both recommended methods for abortion for gestations over 12 to 14 weeks. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 3- Recommendation.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
Where mifepristone is not available, the recommended method for medical abortion is misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
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No data
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)No data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
Chemists/pharmacists can help women avoid unintended pregnancy through provision of accurate contraceptive information, pregnancy tests, contraceptive methods and referral to safe abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.1.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Related documents:Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesNo Administered by a trained physician in hospital only WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
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Where can abortion services be providedRelated documents:
Primary health-care centresYes Medical abortions between 9 and 12 weeks and surgical abortions take place in a hospital. A Person can be referred to hospital under 9 weeks if the patient prefers it.
Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Medical abortions between 9 and 12 weeks and surgical abortions take place in a hospital. A Person can be referred to hospital under 9 weeks if the patient prefers it.
Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified
Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified
NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified
Other (if applicable)Tertiary Centre WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion services should be available at primary-care level, with referral systems in place for all required higher-level care. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6- Recommendation.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNot specified
Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified
Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified
NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The facilities and skills required to manage most abortion complications are similar to those needed to care for women who have had a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Safe Abortion Guidelines § 2.2.6.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. All women should receive contraceptive information and be offered counselling for and methods of post-abortion contraception, including emergency contraception, before leaving the health-care facility. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.3.
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Insurance to offset end user costsYes Induced abortion for all womenYes Termination of pregnancy is free for persons who normally live in the Republic of Ireland. The cost of contraception, pain relief or antibiotics will not be covered unless the person has a medical card. Patients with a medical card will be subject to prescription charges. Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo Termination of pregnancy is free for persons who normally live in the Republic of Ireland. The cost of contraception, pain relief or antibiotics will not be covered unless the person has a medical card. Patients with a medical card will be subject to prescription charges. Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Financing of abortion services should take into account costs to the health system while ensuring that services are affordable and readily available to all women who need them. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6 - Recommendation. Abortion services should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans; women should never be denied or delayed because of the inability to pay. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.6.2.
Additional notesTermination of pregnancy is free for persons who normally live in the Republic of Ireland. The cost of contraception, pain relief or antibiotics will not be covered unless the person has a medical card. Patients with a medical card will be subject to prescription charges. |
Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:NurseNot specified
Midwife/nurse-midwifeNot specified
Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes Other (if applicable)Medical practitioner, which means a medical practitioner who is for the time being registered in the register. As per the Interim Clinical Guidance Risk to Life or Health of a Pregnant Woman in relation to Termination of Pregnancy of 2019, all surgical terminations must be performed by or under the supervision of a trained and experienced operator.” WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Subject to gestational age and method, abortion care can be safely provided by any properly trained health-care provider, including specialist doctors, non-specialist doctors; associate and advanced associate clinicians; midwives; and nurses. Health Worker Roles in Safe Abortion Care, p 33- Recommendation.
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Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNot specified
Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified
Minimum number of bedsNot specified
Other (if applicable)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion facilities within both the public and private sectors should be available at all levels of the health system, with appropriate referral mechanisms between facilities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ireland |
Public sector providersRelated documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesMedical practitioners, nurses and midwives have a duty to participate in a termination of pregnancy when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. Furthermore, the 2019 Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics provides more detail of what needs to be done when a provider has objects to providing an abortion. |
Private sector providersRelated documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesMedical practitioners, nurses and midwives have a duty to participate in a termination of pregnancy when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. Furthermore, the 2019 Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics provides more detail of what needs to be done when a provider has objects to providing an abortion. |
Provider type not specifiedYes Related documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesMedical practitioners, nurses and midwives have a duty to participate in a termination of pregnancy when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. Furthermore, the 2019 Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics provides more detail of what needs to be done when a provider has objects to providing an abortion. |
Neither Type of Provider PermittedRelated documents:
Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
Additional notesMedical practitioners, nurses and midwives have a duty to participate in a termination of pregnancy when there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk. Furthermore, the 2019 Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics provides more detail of what needs to be done when a provider has objects to providing an abortion. |
Public facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Private facilitiesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Facility type not specifiedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Neither Type of Facility PermittedNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
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Ireland |
CAT“The Committee notes the concern expressed by the European Court of Human Rights about the absence of an effective and accessible domestic procedure in the State party for establishing whether some pregnancies pose a real and substantial medical risk to the life of the mother (case of A, B and C v. Ireland), which leads to uncertainty for women and their medical doctors, who are also at risk of criminal investigation or punishment if their advice or treatment is deemed illegal. The Committee expresses concern at the lack of clarity cited by the Court and the absence of a legal framework through which differences of opinion could be resolved. Noting the risk of criminal prosecution and imprisonment facing both the women concerned and their physicians, the Committee expresses concern that this may raise issues that constitute a breach of the Convention. The Committee appreciates the intention of the State party, as expressed during the dialogue with the Committee, to establish an expert group to address the Court’s ruling. The Committee is nonetheless concerned further that, despite the already existing case law allowing for abortion, no legislation is in place and that this leads to serious consequences in individual cases, especially affecting minors, migrant women, and women living in poverty (arts. 2 and 16). The Committee urges the State party to clarify the scope of legal abortion through statutory law and provide for adequate procedures to challenge differing medical opinions as well as adequate services for carrying out abortions in the State party, so that its law and practice is in conformity with the Convention.”
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CEDAW"The Committee is also concerned that: (a) The interpretation of article 40.1 of the Constitution is focused on procedural rather than substantive equality; and (b) Article 40.3.33 of the Constitution (also known as the Eighth Amendment), which protects the right to life of the unborn and therefore unduly restricts access to abortion, has not been amended. 11. The Committee urges the State party to, within a specific timeframe:(...) (c) Amend article 40.3.33 of the Constitution (also known as the Eighth Amendment), which impedes the introduction of amendments to current legislation governing access to abortion. (...) The Committee is concerned that access to abortion in the State party is restricted to cases where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, which was enacted following the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of A, B, C v Ireland and that this exception is interpreted in a very restrictive manner. The Committee is also concerned that under the Regulation of Information Act of 1995, the provision of information by healthcare providers that advocates and promotes the option of abortion is criminal. The Committee is particularly concerned that due to this restrictive legal regime: (a) Abortion in all cases other than where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman is criminal and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment; (b) Women and girls are compelled to travel outside the State party to obtain an abortion in countries where it is legally available on wider grounds; (c) Women and girls without means to travel outside the State party to obtain an abortion, such as poor women, asylum seekers and migrant women and girls, may be compelled to carry their pregnancies to full term or to undertake unsafe abortion which may lead to severe mental pain and suffering; and (d) Healthcare providers and pregnancy counsellors cannot freely provide information on abortion for fear that they can be prosecuted for violating the Regulation of Information Act 1995. (..) The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Repeal the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 in order to legalise the termination of pregnancy at least in cases of rape, incest, risk to the physical or mental health or life of the pregnant woman, and severe impairment of the foetus, and de-criminalize abortion in all other cases;.."
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CRC“The Committee is concerned about the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act 2013, which allows for abortion only when there is a “real and substantial risk” to the life of the mother and criminalizes abortion even in instances where the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or in cases of severe foetal impairment. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that the term “real and substantial risk” prevents doctors from being able to provide services in accordance with objective medical practice. The Committee is also concerned at the severe lack of access to sexual and reproductive health education and emergency contraception for adolescents. [….] In the light of its general comment No. 4 (2003) on adolescent health and development, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Decriminalize abortion in all circumstances and review its legislation with a view to ensuring access by children to safe abortion and post-abortion care services; and ensure that the views of the pregnant girl are always heard and respected in abortion decisions;”
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HRC“The Committee reiterates its concern regarding the highly restrictive circumstances under which women can lawfully have an abortion in the State party. While noting the establishment of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, the Committee regrets that the progress in this regard is slow. (arts. 2, 3, 6, 26) The State party should bring its abortion laws into line with the Covenant. It should take measures to help women avoid unwanted pregnancies so that they do not have to resort to illegal or unsafe abortions that could put their lives at risk (article 6) or to abortions abroad (articles 26 and 6).”
“The Committee reiterates its previous concern regarding the highly restrictive circumstances under which women can lawfully have an abortion in the State party owing to article 40.3.3 of the Constitution and its strict interpretation by the State party. In particular, it is concerned at: (a) The criminalization of abortion under section 22 of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, including in cases of rape, incest, fatal foetal abnormality and serious risks to the health of the mother, which may lead to up to 14 years of imprisonment, except in cases that constitute a “real and substantive risk” to the life of a pregnant woman; (b) The lack of legal and procedural clarity concerning what constitutes “real and substantive risk” to the life, as opposed to the health, of the pregnant woman; (c) The requirement of excessive degree of scrutiny by medical professionals for pregnant and suicidal women leading to further mental distress; (d) The discriminatory impact of the Act on women who are unable to travel abroad to seek abortions; (e) The strict restrictions on the channels via which information on crisis pregnancy options may be provided to women and the imposition of criminal sanctions on health-care providers who refer women to abortion services outside the State party under the Regulation of Information (Services Outside the State For Termination of Pregnancies) Act, 1995; and (f) The severe mental suffering caused by the denial of abortion services to women seeking abortions due to rape, incest, fatal foetal abnormality or serious risks to health (arts. 2, 3, 6, 7, 17, 19 and 26). The State party should: (a) Revise its legislation on abortion, including its Constitution, to provide for additional exceptions in cases of rape, incest, serious risks to the health of the mother, or fatal foetal abnormality; (b) Swiftly adopt a guidance document to clarify what constitutes a “real and substantive risk” to the life of the pregnant woman; (c) Consider making more information on crisis pregnancy options available through a variety of channels, and ensure that health-care providers who supply information on safe abortion services abroad are not subject to criminal sanctions.”
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SR VAW"During her visit, the Special Rapporteur received information about the situation of and challenges faced by defenders working on sexual and reproductive rights, particularly those providing women with information on legal abortion. Ireland has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe regarding the termination of pregnancy whereby abortion is a criminal offence, except when the pregnant woman’s life is at risk, including because of the risk of suicide, and where women may be punished with life-term prison sentences. In 1983, article 40.3.3 of the Constitution was amended to acknowledge “the right to life of the unborn”, regarding it as equal to the right to life of the pregnant woman. The term “unborn” was not defined. Procuring or assisting in an abortion is a criminal offence under the Offenses against the State Act (1861), and is punishable by up to life imprisonment. There have been no prosecutions under the Act in recent times, at least since 1975 and the establishment of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In 1995, the Regulation of Information (Services outside the State for the Termination of Pregnancies) Act was enacted. The Information Act allows for the provision of information on abortion services abroad, subject to strict restrictions that pose a number of important challenges to the work of defenders, practitioners and advocates working on sexual and reproductive health rights, which are described below. In 1992, with the judgement in Attorney General v X, the Supreme Court provided guidance on the interpretation of the existing right to abortion under article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, and determined that abortion in Ireland was legal when a real and substantial risk to life – as opposed to the health – of the pregnant women, including the risk of suicide, had been established,. (...) The decisions described in paragraphs 82 and 83 above are still to be implemented, which explains why currently no legislation or regulatory framework exists to define whether a woman is entitled to have access to legal abortion. In June 2011, the Government submitted a plan of action to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with measures on how to implement the judgement, including the establishment of an Expert Group to recommend the options available. In November 2012, the report of the Expert Group on the Judgement in A, B and C v. Ireland was made public. According to the Information Act, information on abortion services should only be given in the context of one-to-one counselling (sect. 3.1 (a)). The Act also stipulates that any information on abortion provided by advisory agencies, doctors and counsellors must be “truthful and objective”, must “not advocate or promote” abortion and should be provided together with information on all courses of action open to a women in relation to her particular circumstances (sect. 5(b, iii)). Agencies, doctors and counsellors are also prohibited from making arrangements on behalf of their clients for an abortion abroad (sect. 8, 1). The Special Rapporteur is concerned about the important challenges that certain provisions contained in the Information Act pose for reproductive health providers and defenders working on these issues. When a woman seeks information on abortion, it may only be provided in the context of a face-to-face counselling session; information cannot be given online or over the telephone. This provision can pose significant barriers for counsellors and potentially restrict women’s access to information on sexual and reproductive rights, particularly on access to the health services available abroad. Moreover, the provision can restrict the ability of defenders to make contact with some women who may not be able to attend a face-to-face counselling session, including women who live in isolated or rural areas, young women, women in State care and/or migrant women. The inability of counsellors to make appointments on behalf of their clients further restricts the support they can offer to women seeking this type of service abroad. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur is concerned at reports and evidence received during her visit indicating the existence of a smear campaign and stigmatization of defenders and activists working on abortion issues. More specifically, she received information about a smear campaign in printed media, reportedly in October and November 2012, when a well-known reproductive health provider in the country was targeted in various newspaper articles and accused of putting the lives of women at risk and contravening the law. The Health Service Executive has reportedly launched an investigation into the accusations made against a number of reproductive health providers. As the Special Rapporteur stressed in a previous report, the stigmatization of defenders may lead to the selective enforcement of existing laws and regulations, reinforce existing stigma and culminate in the criminalization of their legitimate activities. (...) The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government of Ireland: (...) (l) Implement the judg e ments passed by the Supreme Court in 1992 and the European Court of Human Rights in 2010 by introducing the necessary legislation regarding access to legal abortion , clarify the criteria to be met for the legal termination of pregnancies , and provide the necessary guidelines for medical professionals and other practitioners;"
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Country specific information regarding abortion related penalties. Information regarding penalties has been presented in English only; this information is not based on an official translation. Please review the source documents provided.
| Country | Penalties deconstructed |
Penalties for woman |
Penalties for provider |
Penalties for person who assists |
Secondary additional considerations/judicial discretion |
Penalties for non-consensual abortion and or negligence |
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Ireland |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
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PenaltiesHealth (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 23. (1) It shall be an offence for a person, by any means whatsoever, to intentionally end the life of a foetus otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Act. [...] (5) A person who is guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years, or both. (6) A prosecution for an offence under this section may be brought only by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. (7) Nothing in subsection (4) shall operate to prevent or restrict access to services lawfully carried out in a place outside the State. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesHealth (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 23. [...] (2) It shall be an offence for a person to prescribe, administer, supply or procure any drug, substance, instrument, apparatus or other thing knowing that it is intended to be used or employed with intent to end the life of a foetus, or being reckless as to whether it is intended to be so used or employed, otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Act. […] (4) It shall be an offence for a person to aid, abet, counsel or procure a pregnant woman to intentionally end, or attempt to end, the life of the foetus of that pregnant woman otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (5) A person who is guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years, or both. (6) A prosecution for an offence under this section may be brought only by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. (7) Nothing in subsection (4) shall operate to prevent or restrict access to services lawfully carried out in a place outside the State. Offence by body corporate 24. (1) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body corporate and it is proved that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance, or was attributable to any wilful neglect, of a person who was a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, or a person purporting to act in that capacity, that person shall, as well as the body corporate, be guilty of an offence and may be proceeded against and punished as if he or she were guilty of the first-mentioned offence. (2) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his or her functions of management as if he or she were a director or manager of the body corporate. […] WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesNone found |
PenaltiesHealth (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 Offence by body corporate 24. (1) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body corporate and it is proved that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance, or was attributable to any wilful neglect, of a person who was a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, or a person purporting to act in that capacity, that person shall, as well as the body corporate, be guilty of an offence and may be proceeded against and punished as if he or she were guilty of the first-mentioned offence. (2) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his or her functions of management as if he or she were a director or manager of the body corporate. […] WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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