‘Delays expected’ in rolling out abortion services
ABORTION services would not be fully ready by the end of the year, the head of the National Maternity Hospital claimed yesterday. Dr Rhona Mahony said staff are “fearful” of rolling out a new service in such a “charged” political environment.
She added finding the space to conduct the provision of pregnancy terminations was “challenging” despite promises by Health Minister Simon Harris services wil be rolled out by January 1.
The Houses of the Oireachtas is in the process of debating the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018.
Dr Mahony said: “I understand the Minister is really keen to roll out this service and that’s because he wants to help women, it’s out of goodness.
“It’s very unusual legislation would be finalised and within days an entire service would be rolled out.”