An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy. It's also known as a termination.
Abortions can be done using medicine or surgery. The type of abortion you have will depend on the stage of pregnancy, your own preference and any health issues you may have.
An abortion is free if you live in the Republic of Ireland and have a PPS number.
If you live outside the Republic of Ireland, you can still have an abortion here. But you will have to pay for it.
Deciding to have an abortion
An abortion is a very safe procedure with a low risk of complications.
Some people may be sure they want to have an abortion. Others may find it more difficult to make a decision.
The decision to have an abortion is yours alone. But you'll need to discuss your options with a healthcare professional.
Where to get support
Call My Options, our free unplanned pregnancy support service, on freephone 1800 828 010.
From outside the Republic of Ireland call 00353 599 165 066.
Unbiased information and support is also available from:
- GPs that provide abortion services (call the My Options team for information on which GPs or doctors offer these services in your local area)
- family planning clinics
- women's health clinics
You may also want to speak to your partner, friends or family.
But you do not need to discuss it with anyone else and they do not have a say in the final decision.
Under 18 years
If you are under 18, you should involve your parents or another supportive adult.
If you are over 16 and you choose not to involve an adult, a doctor can still offer you an abortion.
But this is only if they are confident that you understand the information and you can give consent. This is so that they know that you can make your own decision.
If you are age 15 or under and you choose not to involve your parents or another supportive adult, a doctor can still offer you an abortion.
But only if:
- there are exceptional circumstances
- you have had an assessment with a doctor
Confidentiality
If you decide to have an abortion, you have the right for your information to remain confidential.
But your doctor must report to Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) if:
- you are under 15 and have had sex
- you are age 15 or 16 and having sex with someone who is at least 2 years older than you
- you are under 17 and the doctor believes you are at risk of sexual abuse or harm
- you are under 17 and the doctor believes you have been sexually abused or harmed
Tusla - The Child and Family Agency
Reasons for having an abortion
People ask for abortions for many different reasons.
If something has happened or there is something that a GP or doctor should be aware of, please let them know.
This could include if:
- you have been a victim of rape
- you are an asylum seeker
- you are homeless
A GP or doctor can provide you with the right kind of support and guidance that you need.
If you have been raped, free support and information is available from the Rape Crisis Centre.
Freephone: 1800 77 88 88 (Rape Crisis Centre)