Need an abortion?

Green image with graphics of clocks, calendar & hourglass, and the text 'I need an abortion now!'

As of 1st of January 2019, abortion is legal and available in Ireland in certain circumstances. This is what you can do if you are now pregnant and want an abortion in Ireland.

You can request a safe and legal abortion in Ireland if you meet any one of the following criteria:

  • On request: Your pregnancy is less than 81 days (11 weeks and 4 days) gestation, measured from your last menstrual period.(1) If you are accessing an abortion on request in early pregnancy it does not matter what your reasons are. You do not need to justify yourself to your healthcare provider.
  • Risk to your life: Your pregnancy is causing a risk to your life.(2)
  • Risk to your health: Your pregnancy is causing a risk of serious harm to your physical health or mental health.(2)
  • A fatal condition affecting the foetus: Your foetus has been diagnosed with a fatal condition and it will not survive more than 28 days after birth.(2)

You can contact the government’s My Options helpline for information on how to find a healthcare provider and access abortion in these circumstances:

If you want an abortion but you do not meet the criteria listed above, you may be able to access an abortion outside of Ireland, generally in the UK. We recommend contacting the Abortion Support Network, who provide information, advice and financial and practical assistance to people travelling to the UK for abortion. These are their contact details:

  • Phone from Republic of Ireland: 01 5267 370
  • Phone from Northern Ireland: 07897 611593
  • Email: [email protected]

FAQ

Where can I get an abortion?

There is no published list of GPs or healthcare providers who are providing abortion services. If you call the My Options helpline listed above, they will direct you to your closest provider.

How much will abortion cost me?

If you live in the Republic of Ireland, abortion is provided free by the HSE. If you do not live in the Republic of Ireland, there is a charge set by the provider.

What should I know about getting an abortion?

See the My Options website for information about abortion in Ireland and for specific information about medical abortion or surgical abortion.

Notes

(1) On request
While the government and the media often say that you can access abortion up to 12 weeks, this is not completely accurate. In medical terms, a pregnancy is counted from the first day of your menstrual cycle (i.e. the first day of your last period). This is approximately two weeks before the beginning of pregnancy. The doctor you see should figure out how far along your pregnancy is by asking you about your last menstrual period. If there is uncertainty about the gestational age of your pregnancy, the doctor may refer you for an ultrasound, which will be provided free of charge if you live in Ireland. In addition, a 3 day waiting period is required before you can have an abortion. This means that if a doctor confirms on a Monday that you are able to have an abortion, the earliest you can actually have the abortion is Thursday.

(2) Risk to life, health or diagnosis of fatal foetal condition

In these situations, you can access an abortion beyond 12 weeks, and the 3 day wait does not apply. Two doctors will have to certify that you meet the criteria (unless it is an emergency situation, in which case one doctor can make the certification).

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