Termination of Pregnancy in Ireland
Termination of Pregnancy in Ireland
Termination of Pregnancy in Ireland: A retrospective review of the first four years of early pregnancy service at one tertiary maternity unit
What is this project about?
Termination of Pregnancy in Ireland: a retrospective review of the first three years of early pregnancy service at one tertiary maternity unit
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, came into legislation on January 1st, 2019. Under Section 12 of this Act, pregnant women less than 12 weeks’ gestation can avail of termination of pregnancy (TOP) services without restriction nationally. In the first year of TOP service provision a published audit at one hospital-based maternity unit highlighted variations in service and areas for improvements. A follow-up study has yet to be conducted.
This research will expand on this review by assessing early (< 12 weeks’ gestation) TOP services across the first four years of service provision in the same maternity unit. Ultimately this will identify any improvements or deteriorations in current services which will allow for enhanced quality of care for women undergoing TOP in Ireland.
What is involved?
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Retrospective medical chart review of patients that underwent early termination of pregnancy at Cork University Maternity Hospital from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2022 inclusive.
Who is involved?
Project team
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Katie Togher | University College Cork; Pregnancy Loss Research Group | Academic Intern |
| Dr Carolina Uribe | Cork University Maternity Hospital; Pregnancy Loss Research Group | Registrar |
| Dr Deirdre Hayes Ryan | Cork University Maternity Hospital; Pregnancy Loss Research Group | Lead |
| Dr Sara Leitao | National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, UCC; Pregnancy Loss Research Group | Collaborator |
| Professor Keelin O'Donoghue | Pregnancy Loss Research Group | Collaborator |
Dissemination activities
Journal articles
- O'Shaughnessy E, Leitao S, Russell N, O'Donoghue K. Termination of pregnancy services: A year in review in a tertiary maternity hospital. BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2021;47(3):231-232. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2021-201049.
Project status
Ongoing: 2022 to 2023
Further information
Please email Dr Deirdre Hayes Ryan: Deirdre.HayesRyan@hse.ie
Funders
We wish to acknowledge funding received from the Health Service Executive National Doctors Training and Planning body (HSE NDTP) and University College Cork via the National Academic Track for Internship in Ireland.