HSE looks to recruit clinical lead for abortion services rollout
Nine months after service introduced part-time two-year position to be filled
Mon, Sep 2, 2019
Paul Cullen Health Editor
The Health Service Executive is seeking to recruit a clinical lead for abortion, nine months after the service was introduced.
The person appointed will be tasked with the rollout of termination of pregnancy services to all 19 maternity units, and nationally in GP surgeries and other community settings.
Abortion guidelines for girls under 15 cause unease among doctors
Access to services without parental consent to be had in ‘exceptional circumstances’
Dec 23, 2018
Paul Cullen
Girls aged 15 and under will be able to get an abortion without the involvement of their parents or another adult “in exceptional circumstances”, according to the Health Service Executive guides to the termination of pregnancies.
A doctor offering the abortion to the young woman who chooses not to involve an adult is required to complete an assessment, the as-yet-unpublished guides state.
Abortion Bill signed into law by President
Development comes as Medical Council makes changes to its conduct and ethics code
Thu, Dec 20, 2018
Paul Cullen
A Bill that will give women access to abortion for the first time in the history of the State has been signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.
A statement released by Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday evening said: “Having considered the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018, the President has signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law.”
Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/abortion-bill-signed-into-law-by-president-1.3738504
Abortion in Ireland: A guide to how it will work
Everything you need to know before the planned introduction of termination services
Dec 7, 2018
Paul Cullen
With just three weeks to go before the planned introduction of abortion in Ireland, there remains widespread scepticism among health professionals that the deadline of January 1st will be met. The legislation to give effect to the measure still has to complete its passage through the Oireachtas and questions about resources and supports have still to be fully answered. The thorny issue of conscientious objection also looms large for many doctors, nurses and pharmacists, and existing Medical Council ethical guidelines governing the medical profession will not be revised in time for the deadline.
Notwithstanding these considerable doubts, the Government and in particular Minister for Health Simon Harris has made the provision of abortion by the start of next month an absolute priority. At this point, it therefore seems likely the service will begin as planned in the New Year.
Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/abortion-in-ireland-a-guide-to-how-it-will-work-1.3724020
January deadline for abortion service dangerously unrealistic
Rushed introduction will pose serious threat to health and wellbeing of women
Dec 6, 2018
Chris Fitzpatrick
One of the first things you learn in medical school is “primum non nocere” – firstly, do no harm. Then you are taught to learn from your mistakes.
I wonder what Dr Gabriel Scally would say – if he was asked to comment on what is happening at the present time.
Abortion guidelines for doctors will not be ready for rollout date
Peter Boylan says ‘inevitably, there will be problems’ and nobody should expect ‘perfection’ from service
Tue, Dec 4, 2018
Paul Cullen
Revised ethical guidelines for doctors on abortion and conscientious objection will not be ready in time for the planned rollout of termination services next month, it has emerged.
The Medical Council believes it is better to get the guidelines right rather than to rush them in time for the Government’s deadline for the introduction of abortion on January 1st, its president, Dr Rita Doyle, told a closed meeting of GPs.
A doctor must act like one - even around conscience and abortion
Clinicians have professional duty to put patients’ needs first and above their own
Oct 22, 2018
Wendy Chavkin
Dr X opposed repeal of the Eighth Amendment, does not want to provide abortions and will refer patients to her willing GP partners. Dr Y opposed repeal, does not want to provide or refer for abortions as he does not want anyone to have one. Dr Z voted for repeal but is now upset that GPs will not be paid sufficiently for providing an additional service. They are all considering calling themselves conscientious objectors.
Although most Irish doctors supported repeal and the mandate from voters, how Ireland sets the practical rules for doctors like X, Y and Z will determine whether Irish women get the services promised.
Waiting times, deadlines and objections: Issues before abortion introduced
Updated / Sunday, 14 Oct 2018
By Ailbhe Conneely, RTÉ News Political reporter
When the Government promised a referendum on the Eighth Amendment last year few would have predicted that Ministers would hope to establish abortion services in Ireland by next January.
Legislation allowing for terminations in Ireland was introduced in the Dáil just over a week ago. But it is uncertain whether the Government will meet that timeline.
Continued: https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2018/1012/1002851-abortion-delays-objections/
Concern over timeline for introducing abortion services
Wednesday, 19 Sep 2018
RTÉ News Political reporter
The Minister for Health has said he intends to meet medical professionals shortly regarding clinical guidelines being prepared for abortion services here.
Simon Harris's comments come following today's Oireachtas Health Committee, at which concerns were raised by representatives of GPs, gynaecologists and obstetricians over the lack of meetings between stakeholders on the matter.
Continued: https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2018/0919/994727-abortion/
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