Just over one in 10 GPs has signed up for abortion programme six years on

Most abortions are medical terminations, prescribed by GPs. However, just 483 GPs hold contracts for the service out of a workforce of around 4,600.  

Just over one in 10 general practitioners (GPs) have signed up to the HSE’s abortion programme six years after its introduction, leaving many areas still without access.

A HSE report has reviewed the first six years of the termination of pregnancy services in Ireland. 

Most abortions are medical terminations, prescribed by GPs. However, just 483 GPs hold contracts for the service out of a workforce of around 4,600.  

“As more than one GP may be associated with each contract, the total number of GPs providing this service is likely higher," the report found, but it added that the low numbers indicate many areas are still without cover.

In 2024, the latest year for available information, some 10,852 terminations overall were carried out, up from 6,666 in the first year. 

Maternity units

These medical terminations are now available at all 19 maternity units. 

Only nine units routinely offer surgical terminations, even though all 19 can offer this in an emergency. 

“Difficulties experienced by the remaining 10 sites in providing elective surgical terminations include theatre access and personnel," the report says. 

Just five maternity units offer manual vacuum aspiration. 

Cork University Maternity Hospital is one of just four hospitals giving all three options. University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Waterford do not offer surgical terminations yet.

An information booklet explaining the clinical and legal realities of termination will be launched in partnership with the Pregnancy Loss Research Group, based in University College Cork.