Hidden tragedy must be tackled

ON the eve of the Government’s humiliating defeat in the abortion referendum, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern assured voters the Coalition was working to reduce the number of Irish women travelling abroad to have abortions.

Over a year has passed but, regrettably, there is no sign of that happening. If anything, judging by the latest figures, the situation looks far worse than previously suggested.

According to an All-Ireland survey conducted by the North’s Family Planning Association, the number of Irish women going to Britain for abortions could be double the official figures.