‘Not every woman will need an ultrasound before an abortion’

WOMEN seeking a termination will not have to undergo an ultrasound, Simon Harris has said.

The Health Minister was speaking after legislation to permit abortion passed its final hurdle in the Seanad on Thursday.

It has now been sent to President Michael D Higgins to sign into law over the coming days.

Mr Harris said he wants to reassure women that it is his ‘belief that a woman in crisis in Ireland will be able to access terminations from January 1, under the headings that are now allowed for in Irish law’.

He said it will ‘of course take time for the service to evolve and implement as part of the normal functioning Irish health service’. He said: ‘But yes, services will be available from January 1.’

Mr Harris said the country needs to increase the availability of ultrasounds as it develops these health services, but added that work is being done on this.

He said that not every woman who seeks a termination will need to undergo such a scan.

Mr Harris told RTÉ Radio 1’s News At One: ‘The first thing to say is doctors date pregnancy every single day of the week and they generally date in relation to a woman’s [last menstrual period]. And only in certain circumstances would an ultrasound be required.

‘I don’t want women to think that every woman will need an ultrasound.’

Mr Harris said that once the Bill becomes law, he will immediately authorise the HSE to start a public information campaign called My Options.

This will consist of an advertising campaign, information on websites, GP information leaflets, patient leaflets, and a 24-7 helpline from January 1.

‘This helpline will be operated by counsellors and nurses and it will be able to provide women with information on all of their options,’ he said.

‘Hundreds of doctors have already signed up to provide this service.’