Ireland saw a significant rise in the number of abortions performed last year, reaching a record high since the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 came into effect. According to a report from the health department, 10,033 abortions were carried out in the country in the past year, up from 8,156 in 2022.
The 2018 law, which allows abortions under the supervision of a doctor, marked a significant change from previous regulations that permitted abortion only when the mother’s life was at risk. Now, abortions are permitted up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Of the abortions performed last year, 21 were due to life-threatening situations for the mother, and seven were carried out even when the child’s life was at risk. Another 129 abortions were performed after the fetus was found to have defects, while the remaining 9,876 occurred in early pregnancy.
Dublin reported the highest number of abortions at 3,645, followed by Cork with 873. Leitrim had the fewest, with 47 abortions performed.