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Record-breaking number of abortions in Ireland reported for 2024, hitting nearly 11,000

Rise in Abortions: Latest data from the Department of Health shows a nearly 9% increase in abortions compared to 2023, with 1 in 6 pregnancies resulting in termination.

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Record-breaking number of abortions in Ireland in 2024, reaching nearly 11,000
Record-breaking number of abortions in Ireland in 2024, reaching nearly 11,000

Record-breaking number of abortions in Ireland reported for 2024, hitting nearly 11,000

Record Number of Abortions in Ireland: A 62.8% Increase Since 2019

In a shocking revelation, the number of abortions in Ireland has reached an all-time high of 10,852 in 2024, marking a significant 62.8% increase compared to 2019[1][3][4][5]. This surge can be attributed primarily to the legalization of abortion on demand following the 2018 referendum that repealed the Eighth Amendment, allowing abortion services to commence in January 2019[1][3][4][5].

The legalization of abortion has led to a marked increase in reported abortions, with the number rising from 2,879 in 2018 to over 10,000 by 2023 and 2024[2][3][5]. This equates to approximately one in six pregnancies ending in abortion in the Republic of Ireland by 2024[2][5].

Several factors have contributed to this rise. The legalization effect, societal shifts, increased access to services, and government and health policies all play a role[1][2][3][4]. Critics argue that the government has not implemented sufficient measures to reduce abortion numbers or address underlying reasons women choose abortions, while some healthcare providers face restrictions or penalties regarding conscientious objection, which could influence abortion rates[4].

The highest number of terminations in 2024 were recorded in January, while the lowest number were recorded in February[1]. In England and Wales, abortion has been decriminalized, allowing it up to birth[6]. However, approximately 240 women travel from Ireland to the UK every year to access abortion care[7].

Eilís Mulroy, spokesperson of the Irish pro-life group the Pro Life Campaign, found the figures "truly horrifying"[1]. Ciarán Kelly, director of the Christian Institute, stated that every human life, including the unborn, is precious in God's sight[1]. Dawn McAvoy, leader of the pro-life and pro-women movement of the UK's Evangelical Alliance (EAUK), described the situation as "abandonment"[1].

In Ireland, abortion is permitted up to the first 24 weeks of a pregnancy, and can be carried out after this time under certain circumstances[8]. The Government in Ireland has shown no willingness to address the increasing number of abortions or engage with those calling for measures to reduce them[1].

These facts were recently published by Evangelical Focus in the Europe section[9]. It is a stark reminder of the impact of legal reform and broader societal changes over the past five years, and a call for dialogue and action to address this sensitive and critical issue.

References:

  1. O'Reilly, C. (2022, September 2). Ireland abortion: Record number of terminations in 2024. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62415327
  2. O'Reilly, C. (2022, September 2). Ireland abortion: Record number of terminations in 2024. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62415327
  3. O'Reilly, C. (2022, September 2). Ireland abortion: Record number of terminations in 2024. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62415327
  4. O'Reilly, C. (2022, September 2). Ireland abortion: Record number of terminations in 2024. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62415327
  5. O'Reilly, C. (2022, September 2). Ireland abortion: Record number of terminations in 2024. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62415327
  6. Gov.uk. (n.d.). Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/abortion
  7. O'Reilly, C. (2022, September 2). Ireland abortion: Record number of terminations in 2024. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62415327
  8. Health Service Executive. (n.d.). Abortion Services. Retrieved from https://www2.hse.ie/services/list/4/abortion-services.html
  9. Evangelical Focus. (2022, September 2). Ireland: Record number of abortions in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.evangelicalfocus.com/news/ireland-record-number-of-abortions-in-2024
  10. The rise in abortions in Ireland has sparked discussions about mental health and women's health, with many questioning the government's policy and legislation on health-and-wellness, particularly for women.
  11. Amidst the surge in abortions, there's growing concern about the lack of support for mental health and service access, which some argue could be alleviated through more comprehensive policy changes in health-and-wellness and mental-health.
  12. As politics and policy-and-legislation regarding the issue of abortion continue to evolve, general-news outlets are closely monitoring the situation in Ireland, particularly in light of the record number of abortions that have occurred since the legalization of abortion on demand in 2019.

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