Records broken in Ireland as over 10,900 abortions occur in 2024
In the wake of the decriminalization of abortion in England and Wales, Ireland has reported a staggering increase in the number of abortions, with nearly 11,000 procedures carried out in 2024 - the highest since the law changed in 2018 [1][2].
The figures, released by the Irish government, reveal a 62.8% increase compared to the first year under the new law (2019) [2]. One in six pregnancies in Ireland now ends in abortion, a trend that has sparked concern among pro-life groups [1].
Eilís Mulroy, spokesperson of the Irish pro-life group, the Pro Life Campaign (PLC), found the figures "truly horrifying" [1]. Ciarán Kelly, director of the Christian Institute, considers the death of nearly 11,000 unborn lives in Ireland as a tragedy [1]. Dawn McAvoy, leader of the pro-life and pro-women movement Both Lives UK and the UK Evangelical Alliance (EAUK), refers to the high number of abortions in Ireland as abandonment [3].
The legalization of abortion in Ireland in 2018 has allowed the procedure up to 12 weeks and in cases where the mother's health is at risk [2][4]. Terminations can be carried out after the first 24 weeks under certain circumstances, such as when the woman's life is in danger [2].
The rise in recorded abortions is linked primarily to legal reforms and improved access [2]. About 240 women travel from Ireland to the UK every year to access abortion care [1]. Improved access and safety have likely contributed to the rise in reported numbers [2].
Changing social norms and reduced stigma around abortion may have encouraged more women to seek legal abortions [2]. Ireland's shift towards more liberal reproductive rights generally aligns with broader global trends toward liberalization [2].
While opposition remains, the liberalization of Ireland's abortion laws aligns with global trends in industrialized countries toward making abortion safer and more accessible, contrasting with some countries experiencing increased restrictions [2].
Pro-choice groups emphasize women’s rights, health, and autonomy, viewing the 2018 legalization as a critical advancement for reproductive freedom and safety [2]. They advocate for maintaining and expanding access and framing abortion as an essential healthcare service [2].
On the other hand, pro-life groups continue to oppose abortion on moral and ethical grounds, seeking to restrict or roll back abortion rights [1]. They often argue for the protection of fetal life and may critique the terminology and framing used by pro-choice advocates to influence public opinion [1].
The ongoing debate between pro-choice advocates and pro-life groups reflects the complexities of this contentious issue [1]. As Ireland navigates this challenging landscape, the focus remains on ensuring access to safe, legal abortion services while respecting the rights and values of all involved.
Sources:
[1] Evangelical Focus - Europe [2] The Irish Times [3] The Guardian [4] Amnesty International Ireland
- The surge in Irish abortions, with over 11,000 procedures in 2024, highlights a rise in health-and-wellness-related procedures, prompting concerns within pro-life groups such as the Pro Life Campaign.
- The decriminalization of abortion in England and Wales, Ireland's own legalization in 2018, and improved access to services might have influenced the growth in recorded abortions, aligning with global trends in science and general-news sectors.
- Political debates continue to ensue, as pro-choice advocates emphasize women's mental-health, health, and autonomy, while pro-life groups seek to protect mental-health and life of unborn beings, shaping the discourse in women's-health discussions.
