Release date: 26 November 2007
The Irish Family Planning Association has urged women to seek a medical consultation if they are concerned over taking 'the abortion pill'.
Over recent days, concerns have been raised that Irish women were accessing mifeprostone (RU486) over the internet and without medical supervision.
The IFPA said that, through its medical and counselling services, it was aware of an increase in women accessing medications – especially over the internet – to induce abortions in Ireland. It said that it was concerned that women who suffer complications as a result of a medically induced abortion might be reluctant to come forward and access medical care when they need it.
The IFPA said that, in all circumstances, it is important that a woman has access to medical follow up following a termination of pregnancy, including if the termination was medically induced using medication accessed over the internet.
The IFPA offers non-directive pregnancy counseling and post-abortion counseling, as well as medical consultations before and after a termination. Free post abortion medical check ups are available from its centres in The Square Shopping Centre Tallaght (01- 459 7685) and at Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1 (01-872 7088). Women outside of Dublin can contact the IFPA Pregnancy Counselling Helpline on 1850 49 50 51.
The IFPA also advised against accessing any form of medication over the internet.