Abortion Inquiry
Why is the Abortion Inquiry necessary?
Abortion has been legal in Ireland since 2019. Rates of abortions have skyrocketed. A baby was aborted after a misdiagnosis in the National Maternity Hospital. Women have reported "horrific" experiences with abortion pills. 94 women have made claims against the State because of adverse outcomes after abortion. Almost 2,000 calls were made to a helpline from women seeking post-abortion support in 2020 alone.
Yet the HSE and the Government seem completely uninterested in gathering facts or analysing the outcomes of the abortion legislation. In fact, the HSE has now confirmed it is not even gathering data on adverse outcomes for women who have taken the abortion pill. This is deeply shocking.
That's why the ABORTION INQUIRY is needed. The government may wish to keep women in the dark. We think they deserve better.
We will gather the experiences of:
- Women who have undergone an abortion
- Families who have felt pressured or pushed towards abortion after a diagnosis of a disability
- Whistleblowers who wish to report what they have seen happen in abortion centres
- Medical Professionals whose right to conscientious objection is not being respected
Women who have undergone an abortion
Women are now undergoing abortions in Ireland. Some women will have negative experiences and feel the system did not support them. Their voices should be heard, and adverse outcomes should be recorded.
However, the HSE has said that they have no national system in place to identify and report when women have an adverse outcome after using abortion pills. This is extraordinary.
This is a failure to listen to women and to and record their experiences. It appears the system seeks to protect abortion services rather than the women or unborn children involved.
Many women who have a negative - and sometimes deeply distressing - abortion experience don't want to talk about it. Others would like to share their story, usually in strict confidence, so that other women can learn and understand. Others want to hold the State responsible - and we know that at least 94 women are suing the State now after an abortion.
The Abortion Inquiry seeks to allow women an opportunity to share their experience.
The questionnaire, which will be managed by a medical professional in the strictest confidence, aims to let you record any negative abortion experience at any stage of the abortion procedure including: counselling, information provided, medical difficulties or complications, post-abortion support, or any other adverse outcomes.
How to take part
Please share your experience with us by emailing confidential@thelifeinstitute.net or pass this information to a friend who has had an experience they are willing to share.
Your name and other personal information will be kept completely confidential.
Families
Families who have felt pressured or pushed towards abortion after a diagnosis of a disability
We know from the tragic Baby Christopher Case where a baby was aborted after a mistaken diagnosis, that families have to fight to get justice in cases like this. We also know from the testimonies of families that many parents feel pushed towards abortion after a diagnosis of a severe disability for their unborn child.
Some families wish to share their experiences so that other families will be protected from such a distressing experience.
How to take part
Please share your experience with us by emailing confidential@thelifeinstitute.net or pass this information to a friend who has had an experience they are willing to share.
Your name and other personal information will be kept completely confidential.
Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers have always been a vitally important part of holding the powerful to account.
People working in the system are often appalled at what they see, and their need to speak out and expose the truth must be supported.
The Abortion Inquiry will ensure that whistleblowers can come forward and share their knowledge and information safely and securely.
How to take part
Please share your experience with us by emailing confidential@thelifeinstitute.net or pass this information to a friend who has had an experience they are willing to share.
Your name and other personal information will be kept completely confidential.
Medical Professionals
Medical Professionals whose right to conscientious objection is not being respected
90% of GPs in Ireland do not provide abortions. Yet many doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are coming under pressure to help facilitate abortions, even when that goes against their conscience and their most deeply held beliefs.
Some TDs are pushing to force pro-life doctors and nurses to facilitate abortion, going so far as to describe them as "obstructors". Their testimonies can bring this unethical pressure to light and help protect other medical professionals.
How to take part
Please share your experience with us by emailing confidential@thelifeinstitute.net or pass this information to a friend who has had an experience they are willing to share.
Your name and other personal information will be kept completely confidential.