Irish abortion laws putting women’s health in danger

Irish law criminalises women and girls for having abortions and could see them get 14 years in jail. Niall Behan says it it time to change it to put women’s health first

FOLLOWING the recent conviction of a woman in the North for self-inducing abortion using medication purchased online, many are asking whether a similar prosecution could take place here.

As a reproductive health service provider, the Irish Family Planning Association’s question is: Why does Irish law flout international best practice in reproductive health and criminalise women who have abortions?