Abortions have always been controversial in Ireland, and they remain illegal except in very rare cases where the life of the mother is threatened by carrying the pregnancy to term. Under Irish law, a woman cannot be prevented from leaving the country to have an abortion, and statistics show that a significant number of Irish women choose to do so each year. A number of organisations offer non-directive counselling for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy, and many will offer advice about having a pregnancy terminated overseas, but it is important to research the policies of such organisations as thoroughly as possible to be sure that they are willing to provide the information you need and that they will respect whatever decision you make. Abortion is not available in Northern Ireland.
If you need non-judgemental advice, IFPA (www.ifpa.ie) can offer it to you. If you arrange a face-to-face counselling session, the counsellor can explain your many options and offer information on travelling abroad for an abortion – but this information can only be done in person: it is illegal for IFPA counsellors to provide such information over the phone. The IFPA also offers post-abortion support, including medical checkups and counselling.