Heartbreaking gaps in Ireland’s Abortion Services
- 6 years since Ireland voted for compassion in a crisis system still doesn’t work
- Barbaric treatment highlighted in RTÉ Investigates
Labour’s Senator Annie Hoey was today speaking following the RTÉ investigates documentary which found the realities of Ireland’s current abortion services and gaps in the system of care which continue to cause heartache for affected women.
Senator Hoey said:
“The stories which emerged in the RTÉ Investigates programme were absolutely barbaric, it beggars belief that we are still having these conversations. It is a disgrace that women are still forced to travel to access essential services.
“Government is failing these women, who deserve compassion and care. Almost six years since Ireland voted to repeal the 8th amendment, it is clear that there are gaps in the provision of care.
“I’m thinking today particularly of all of the individuals and couples forced to travel after heartbreaking news,we heard of the case of a lady forced to bring the remains of her baby home following a foetal abnormality. The 28 day foetal abnormality is particularly cruel, we know the O’Shea report found it lacks clarity and is difficult to implement.
“Marie O’Shea completed the Report of the Review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 almost one year ago highlighting gaps in services and yet there has been no progress. Women forced to travel, while the report gathers dust and it is simply not good enough.
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil need to stop kicking the can down the road and fix the policy gaps. Government must implement the findings of the O’Shea report. They must also legislation for safe access zones and regulation of pregnancy counselling centres. Burying their heads in the sand is no longer acceptable, urgent action is needed.”