Surge in rate of new mothers dying from suicide

The briefing paper from Mental Health Reform, called Perinatal Suicide in Ireland, found that the 'majority of maternal suicides occur' between 42 days and one year after giving birth.

There has been a surge in the rate of new mothers dying from suicide, according to a briefing paper from Mental Health Reform.

The report said eight of the 24 deaths of new mothers between 2019 to 2021 were at their own hands (33%). That compares to 12.3% of maternal deaths analysed over the period from 2009 to 2021.