MUH to provide abortion services

MAYO University Hospital is one of nine hospitals across the country that will, on referral, provide medical abortions at nine to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
All nine hospitals, including neighbouring University Hospital Galway, have pledged to providing ultrasounds and aftercare of termination of pregnancy.
It has been reported that 145 GPs have so far signed up to provide medical abortions from this month. The GPs will provide medical abortions up to nine weeks of pregnancy.
Approximately 39 of these GPs have not agreed to their names being given out to women in crisis, who ring up a 24/7 helpline for counselling and direction to the closest service.
Though the medical-abortion service is understood to be operational from today (January 1), it is yet unclear when abortion procedures will actually be made available. However, it has been reported that it could be a matter of weeks before all the hospitals are ready to provide a medical abortion.
All hospitals have been directed to provide terminations when a woman’s life or health is at risk and in cases of emergency.
The 24/7 helpline number is 1800 828 010. Patient Information Booklets have also been sent to GPs and hospitals.