‘Steady stream’ of calls to crisis pregnancy helpline

THE HSE said there was a steady of stream of calls to its abortion helpline on its first day open.

Yesterday saw the launch of the ‘My Options’ hotline, which provides free unplanned pregnancy support.

The HSE said that while it was busy, “our team has been able to support everyone who has been in touch with us”.

As of yesterday, abortion services were made available – with the hotline the first port of call for those considering a termination.

The HSE said information is available for all options including continued pregnancy support and abortion services.

It provides professional preg- nancy counselling by phone and can also arrange face-toface counselling. It said its support is both non-directive and non-judgemental.

Speaking to women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, Helen Deely from the HSE’s Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme said: “We’re here to help you, with professional counsellors, if you want to talk to someone, have a question about continued pregnancy supports, or want information about abortion services.”

Around 165 GPs have signed up to offer abortion services with 100 of them providing their details to the helpline. Counsellors are available 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.