Campaigner warns of return to 'backstreet abortions'

A woman who for years has helped Irish women seek terminations in the UK has warned that the credit crunch could bring about the return of "medieval" backstreet abortions.

Ann Rossiter, who herself had an illegal abortion, made the claim as three woman challenged Ireland's historic laws at Strasbourg's European Court of Human Rights.

The author of 'Ireland's Hidden Diaspora: The Abortion Trail' says she fears that some women will now risk illegal abortions in Ireland instead.