Presenter: Professor Mary Donnelly (University College Cork, Ireland; Mason Institute Research Visitor, 2023)

Overview of presentation

Until 1 January 2019, the provision of abortion care in Ireland was prohibited under all but the most extreme circumstances. Following a constitutional referendum passed by two-thirds of voters, abortion care became lawful in a wider range of circumstances.  However, while the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 has brought significant improvements in access to abortion care,  some difficulties remain.  This seminar draws on an empirical study (conducted with UCC colleague, Dr Claire Murray) of providers of Early Medical Abortion to explore the challenges they face in negotiating the new legal framework.