Repeal won’t mean rise in terminations

Sir — Those expressing concern about the introduction of a ‘‘culture of abortion’’ to Ireland may be reassured to know that in countries where abortion is made legal and safe, rates of abortion have been shown to decline significantly over time. In fact, the abortion rate in countries where termination of pregnancy is tightly restricted or outlawed remains higher than that in countries where it is accessible in a safe and regulated manner.

The evidence is very clear. Ireland already has an abortion rate, and legalising abortion is very unlikely to make that rate higher. It will, however, make it safer, easier to access and less traumatic for the woman involved. Marianne Farrelly, Rialto, Dublin 8