Illegal abortions put immigrants at risk

BACKSTREET abortions are posing a growing danger to immigrant women, who are afraid to travel to Britain because of visa restrictions.

The Women’s Health Council (WHC) has written to the Health Service Executive (HSE) expressing concern that the health needs of immigrant women are not being met.

The organisation said a policy that recognises the increased diversity of users and employers of the health care system is needed as a “matter of urgency”.

It expressed particular concern over maternity services for ethnic minorities.

“Anecdotal evidence points to migrant women accessing unsafe ‘back- street’ abortions due to the legislative ban on abortions in Ireland and the fact that, because of their precarious residence status, many women are afraid to travel...” it read.

“Many ethnic minority women find themselves in situations of isolation, poverty and exploitation. Many women might have been infected with STIs, including HIV, through sexual violence or may even be pregnant through rape.

“These issues pose particular challenges when delivering care, including maternity care,” it added.

The Irish Family Planning Association has backed this claim, saying gardaí have found evidence of a return to illegal abortions, which have not been reported in Ireland since the 1950s.

The WHC criticised racist attitudes in maternity hospitals. A spokesperson said: “Women encounter racist attitudes amongst health professionals including being used as scapegoats for the strained resources of the maternity services.”

The report said female genital mutilation is a growing problem, and can no longer be ignored.

The HSE is drawing up a National Intercultural Healthcare Strategy, to address the healthcare needs of ethnic minorities.

The WHC said: “While it is unrealistic to expect or require that all healthcare professionals would become familiar with all the religions and cultural practices currently present in Ireland, it is fair to expect them to be understanding of diversity, and respectful and sensitive in their approach...”