Quick read
Key points
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Abortion is the medical or surgical ending of a pregnancy. In Ireland, abortion services are available through the public health system under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, including care up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and in specific circumstances afterward, such as risk to the life or health of the pregnant person, or a fatal fetal abnormality.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Contact your GP or a family planning clinic to discuss options and arrange an appointment
01 · Know
What is Abortion?
Abortion is the medical or surgical ending of a pregnancy. In Ireland, abortion services are available through the public health system under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, including care up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and in specific circumstances afterward, such as risk to the life or health of the pregnant person, or a fatal fetal abnormality.
Care is provided through GPs, family planning services, and hospitals, and includes both medical (medication-based) and surgical options depending on the stage of pregnancy and personal preference. Counselling and support are also available before and after the procedure for anyone who would like it.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Care and counselling are available regardless of your decision
Whatever decision you make about a pregnancy, non-judgemental counselling and support services are available to help you through the process.
03 · Act
How to Access Care
- 1Contact your GP or a family planning clinic to discuss options and arrange an appointment
- 2The HSE's My Options service (freephone 1800 828 010) provides confidential information, counselling, and support
- 3Free counselling is available before and after the procedure, whatever you decide
- 4If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever after a procedure, contact your care provider or seek urgent medical care
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Confidential Support Is Available at Every Step
Whatever your circumstances or decision, confidential, non-judgemental support and information are available through the HSE's My Options service and your GP.
- 1Contact My Options or your GP.They can talk through your options, timelines, and what to expect, confidentially and without judgement.
- 2Ask about counselling.Free counselling is available both before and after, for anyone who would find it helpful.
- 3Follow aftercare advice closely.Your care provider will give specific guidance on rest, signs to watch for, and follow-up appointments.
- 4Seek help promptly for concerning symptoms afterward.Heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever after a procedure should be assessed without delay.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Abortion care in Ireland is provided through the public health system, with confidential counselling and support available at every stage.
The HSE's My Options service (freephone 1800 828 010) is a confidential first point of contact for information and support.