Providing abortion care

Navigating the regulatory framework

Dados Bibliográficos

ID6431340
AutoresClaire Murray (0000-0002-4904-9724, School of Law, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, autor correspondente), Mary Donnelly (0000-0001-7612-9722, School of Law, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland)
Ano2025
Volume33
Fascículo1-2
Páginas48-67
Data de publicação2025-04-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoIrish Journal of Sociology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0791-6035 • E-ISSN: 2050-5280
EditoraSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/07916035251336963
OpenAlexW4412015299
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas32

Abortion care in Ireland is heavily regulated when compared with other forms of healthcare and the decisions that providers make in navigating this environment have an important impact on access to abortion care. This article explores the regulatory framework from a provider perspective, analysing the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 and other regulatory elements including the Medical Council Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (9th ed., 2024); the Health Services Executive Model of Care; and clinical guidance. Drawing on a qualitative study relating to early medical abortion in primary care conducted by the authors in summer 2022, the article uses a legal consciousness framework to explore how providers engage with the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in their clinical practice. The findings from this study support the case for legislative reform. However, the article also argues that access can be substantially improved through the development of clear guidance that prioritises a commitment to women's autonomy and health and is informed by the experiences of service users and providers

Abortion · Biology · Political science · Pregnancy · Sociology · Ethics and Legal Issues in Pediatric Healthcare · Reproductive Health and Contraception · Reproductive Health and Technologies