Recession linked to rise in women seeking abortions
Ireland's recession is leading to a rise in abortions, according to the director of a sexual healthcare service.
Gabrielle Malone, programme director with the Marie Stopes Clinics in Britain said there has been an increase in the number of Irish women travelling to have an abortion this year. And she believes that it is because women can't afford to keep their babies.
"There's no doubt that more women are having abortions because they can't afford to keep their baby," she said.
The interview with the director on today's Lunchtime with Eamon Keane on Newstalk 106-108 FM revealed that more than 5,000 Irish women have travelled to Britain to have an abortion this year.
In addition, experts believe there is a worrying increase in so called 'internet abortions'.
Ms Malone also said that she had serious concerns over the number of Irish women using the internet abortion pill.
The pill can be purchased online for as little as €70. "I would advise any woman thinking of taking these pills, to be very very careful," said Ms Malone. "You need to know the source, what you're actually doing to your own body and decide if you're actually willing to take that emotional risk."
The director called for another referendum on the contentious issue of abortion.
"It's about time that Ireland started taking responsibility and stopped shipping its problems out of the country," she said.
- Claire Murphy
