Ireland urged to be compassionate to women post-abortion

The head of the UN’s agency for sexual and reproductive health is urging Ireland to treat women who have had abortions with compassion.

Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the UNFPA, said he is aware of the abortion debate here. He said while the agency can not influence countries’ laws, he can advocate on behalf of women subject to those laws.

“UNFPA would support, and encourage, governments to ensure that abortion is performed safely where it is legal and, where it is not legal, that you have compassionate, post-abortion care,” he said.