According to the annual report released by the Department of Health, the breakdown of abortions in 2023 included 21 procedures due to a risk to the life or health of the mother under Section 9 of the Act. Additionally, seven terminations were conducted in emergency situations involving life or health risks, while 129 were due to fatal foetal abnormalities. The majority, 9,876 abortions, were medical terminations carried out in early pregnancy.

The report highlighted that the months with the highest number of terminations were May (902), January (878), and March (874), with February recording the fewest notifications at 683.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) reported that two applications for review of termination were received and carried out in compliance with legal requirements last year.

Geographically, Dublin recorded the highest number of terminations at 3,645, followed by Cork with 873, while Leitrim and Monaghan reported the lowest figures at 47 and 74, respectively.

Meanwhile, new figures released by the HSE indicate that the annual cost of providing medical abortions through GPs and hospitals has reached €7.4 million. This includes €5.6 million allocated for GP payments and medications, with €1.7 million spent on hospital-based terminations.

The HSE noted that these costs represent the first detailed funding allocation for abortion services since the enactment of the 2018 legislation, which permits unrestricted medical abortion up to twelve weeks through GP services, as well as terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormality.

In response to Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins, the HSE disclosed that community-based termination costs in 2022 amounted to €5.6 million, covering GP fees, medications, training, the My Options freephone helpline, and translation services. Hospital-based termination costs for the same period totaled €1.78 million.

Moreover, the HSE reported a 55% increase in hospitals offering termination services in 2023, with six additional facilities joining the network. Currently, termination services in early pregnancy are available in 17 out of the 19 maternity hospitals, with plans for the remaining two to commence operations this year.

New Covid-19 Variant JN.1 Circulates in Ireland

A new variant of the virus, JN.1, is currently circulating in Ireland, leading to outbreaks in hospitals, nursing homes, and other dedicated care centres. This Covid-19 outbreak in North West Ireland has prompted immediate action from health authorities.

Outbreaks Affecting Hospitals and Care Centers

Several wards in Sligo University Hospital experienced an outbreak earlier this week, resulting in the implementation of visitor restrictions to contain the spread. The HSE has emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to health guidelines to prevent further outbreaks.

HSE Recommendations

The HSE strongly advises anyone exhibiting symptoms to stay at home until at least 48 hours after symptoms have mostly or fully subsided. They stress the need to avoid contact with others, particularly those at higher risk from Covid-19, to help curb the spread of this new variant.

Conclusion

As the Covid-19 outbreak in North West Ireland continues to evolve, the HSE remains vigilant and urges the public to follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and their communities.