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Over 10,900 abortions performed in Ireland during 2024 mark a historic high

Increase in abortion rates: The Department of Health reports a 9% jump in terminated pregnancies compared to 2023 figures.

Unprecedented number of abortions in Ireland in 2024 break previous records, reaching almost 11,000
Unprecedented number of abortions in Ireland in 2024 break previous records, reaching almost 11,000

Over 10,900 abortions performed in Ireland during 2024 mark a historic high

In 2024, Ireland recorded a staggering 10,852 abortions, marking a surge of nearly 9% over the previous year and the highest number since the law changed in 2018 [1]. This significant increase follows the legalization of abortion on demand up to twelve weeks of pregnancy in Ireland [3].

The Health (Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, which legalized abortion under certain conditions, has made these services more accessible and legally available for the first time in decades [4]. The repeal of the Eighth Amendment via a popular referendum in 2018 also removed legal barriers, allowing women to access abortion without justification [4].

Changing societal attitudes and the availability of early medical abortion have further contributed to the increase. The introduction of early medical abortion care has made accessing abortion services easier and less invasive for many women [4].

The leader of the pro-life and pro-women movement of the UK Evangelical Alliance, Dawn McAvoy, has stated that abortion is not healthcare, but abandonment [5]. Eilís Mulroy, spokesperson of the Irish pro-life group of the Pro Life Campaign, has expressed concerns over the increase in the number of abortions [6]. One in six pregnancies in Ireland now ends in abortion [7].

Notably, approximately 98.7% of the abortions performed in 2024 were not due to a risk to the health or life of the mother, or a condition likely to result in the death of the unborn child [8]. The Government in Ireland has shown no signs of addressing this rising trend.

On a related note, abortion has been decriminalized in England and Wales, allowing it at any stage of pregnancy, up to birth [9]. This recent vote has sparked debate and concerns among pro-life advocates.

As the number of abortions continues to rise, the debate surrounding this sensitive issue remains a topic of discussion in Ireland and beyond.

  1. The surge in abortions in Ireland in 2024, despite concerns from pro-life advocates like Eilís Mulroy, can be attributed to the legalization of abortion on demand, changes in societal attitudes, and the introduction of early medical abortion care.
  2. The Health (Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in Ireland, which legalized abortion under certain conditions, has made services more accessible, contributing to the increasing number of abortions, particularly in women's health and mental health discussions.
  3. While the majority of abortions in Ireland are not performed due to health or life risks, the continuous rise in the number of abortions presents a significant policy issue in the realm of science, health-and-wellness, and general news, sparking debates in politics and crime-and-justice as well.

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