So far, over 3,500 emails have been sent to TDs ands Senators to call on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to immediately end the practice of home abortions. It’s a really encouraging response to the campaign we started less than a fortnight ago!
 
It is also great to see more members of the Oireachtas speaking up on the issue and seeking answers from the Minister for Health. We should take the time to thank these dedicated Oireachtas members who don’t shirk their responsibility in putting the hard questions to the government.

In reply to a Dáil question this week from Seán Canney TD on ‘DIY’ abortions, the Minister for Health reiterated that the ‘home abortion’ regime introduced by his predecessor Simon Harris will only be “reviewed” when the Covid-19 crisis comes to an end.

This is the second time Stephen Donnelly has publicly pulled back from the commitment given by Simon Harris that ‘home abortions” would cease as a practice once the restrictions surrounding Covid-19 are lifted.  

Several TDs, including Carol Nolan and Éamon Ó Cuív, have previously raised concerns with the Minister for Health about permitting ‘DIY’ abortions, following the deaths of two women in England earlier this year as a direct result of home abortions.