Demand for post-abortion counselling has soared across Ireland's South West
The number of women seeking post-abortion counselling in Cork’s largest sexual health clinic has soared by 82% compared to the previous year, annual reports have confirmed.
In 2017, the sexual health clinic provided 77 sessions of post-abortion counselling to those struggling after an abortion experience. The following year (2018), saw a startling spike in the demand for post-abortion counselling as the Cork clinic went on to provide 157 sessions of post-abortion counselling, almost double from the previous year.
Director of Services, Catherine Kennedy revealed that there has also been a spike in the demand for crisis pregnancy counselling, from 110 counselling sessions provided in 2017, to 141 sessions provided in 2018, according to The Irish Times.
Ramifications of Repeal
It was in May of 2018 that Ireland overwhelmingly voted to strip unborn Irish children of legal protection through the repeal of the Eighth Amendment which lifted the country’s abortion ban.
Whilst official figures are yet to be released concerning Ireland’s 2018 abortion rate, it is estimated by the START group which represents 250 medical bodies involved in abortion provision, that since the country’s new abortion law came into effect, between 800-900 unborn Irish children are now killed every month by abortion.
As a result Ireland is now witnessing soaring demands for post-abortion counselling, as abortion has been shown to lead to bad mental health outcomes for many women.
Post abortion: Symptoms and seeking help
Evidence-based review, Abortion and Women’s Health, reveals the truly horrific impact that abortion can have upon the mental health of some women, and makes evident why so many Irish women are now seeking post-abortive counselling after legalised abortion has come into effect.
Key findings from the review are that:
- A woman who undergoes an abortion is six times more likely to commit suicide than a woman who gives birth.
- A woman is 30% more likely to suffer from depression compared to a woman who gives birth.
- A woman is 25% more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to a woman who gives birth.
- A woman who has had an abortion is at a higher risk of psychiatric admission compared to a woman who gives birth.
Louise Grant, Director of Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (ARCH), said: "The detrimental effects that abortion has upon the mental health of so many women is utterly devastating. So, it is saddening, yet not surprising to hear that so many Irish women are now seeking post-abortion care and counselling."
Ms Grant continued: "Abortion is so often pushed as a quick and easy fix, but the reality is far from that. Abortion often carries with it mental health issues and we often see symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder coming to the surface. Many women after an abortion can experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and even substance abuse. It is vital that the emotions and experiences of these women are validated and they receive the care they deserve. It’s time for us to acknowledge the true impact that abortion is having upon the health and lives of countless women."
If you, or anyone you know has been affected by abortion, please contact the Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (ARCH) for free, non-judgemental, confidential support: 0345 603 8501 or email: info@archtrust.org.uk