News and media
New information resource on Termination of Pregnancy and the law in Ireland
A new national information booklet is being launched to explain the legal and clinical realities of Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) in Ireland following the introduction of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. Developed as a plain-language guide, it sets out what the law provides for and how services are organised and delivered in real-world care settings.
Importantly, this resource reflects the legislation at the time of this publication. For example, there has been dsicussion around removing the legislation around the 3-day waiting period outlined in the Act, but it will take time for the legislation to be amended and commenced.
This resource was produced by the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) and the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG), working closely with community and hospital-based healthcare professionals, legal experts, and people with lived experience of needing or providing termination of pregnancy care. It builds on existing national guidance and models of care to support consistent, equitable access to lawful services across Ireland.
Dr Aoife Mullally, National Clinical Lead for Termination of Pregnancy services, noted:
This Guide supports clinicians and women by clearly explaining the law, the care pathways and the safeguards that underpin safe, high‑quality abortion care in Ireland. By bringing the legislation and clinical practice together in one accessible resource, the Guide helps ensure that termination of pregnancy services remain accessible, lawful, person‑centred and sustainable for future generations in Ireland.
The booklet brings together clinical and legal expertise, offering accessible explanations of:
- When termination of pregnancy is lawful in Ireland, including early pregnancy care, risk to life or serious harm to health, risk to life or harm to health in emergency, and conditions likely to lead to the death of the fetus.
- Rights to information, informed consent, review of medical decisions and access to services, including how the statutory review process works where a request is not certified.
Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician, commented:
This booklet represents a vital step in ensuring that people considering or needing a termination of pregnancy are given accurate and reliable information. This is not a clinical guide to termination of pregnancy. Rather, our aim is to help people understand the legal framework and feel supported in making informed decisions. Good information enables equitable care, and we hope this resource will provide both knowledge and guidance.
The booklet also covers aspects of access, support, and development since 2018:
- Information on My Options as the national first point of contact for free, confidential counselling, information and signposting to services.
- Information about reviews of the Act and service developments since the reviews.
This Termination of Pregnancy booklet is the latest addition to a national suite of resources on pregnancy options and pregnancy loss. The National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) and the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG) have developed multiple national resources and clinical guidelines to improve understanding and care, including booklets and guidance on miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
The booklet can be viewed/downloaded from the following websites:
Support and further information
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group: PLRG's central hub for research and patient support resources.
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ireland: A national hub for information and resources.
- National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP): Resource base and development of clinical guidelines.