240 Women Are Still Leaving Ireland For Abortions Every Year

Around 240 women in Ireland are still traveling to have an abortion each year. This figure, revealed by a recent investigation from The Journal, shows that even after the referendum and the legalisation of abortion, many women are still forced to leave the country for care.

Investigative journalist Maria Delaney told Newstalk this week that despite the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, “around 240 women still travel to the UK from Ireland for abortion care each year.” So, what’s really going on here?

Well, it’s not as simple as having the law in place. While abortion is legal up to 12 weeks in Ireland, it’s still a lot more complicated than it sounds. The rules around abortion are restrictive, and for many women, especially those in rural areas or those who need an abortion after the 12 week mark, traveling to the UK is often the only option.

It’s a tough situation to be in, having to leave your own country, spend extra money, take time off work, and deal with emotional stress and potential trauma, just to get a procedure that should be accessible.

What’s the deal?

So, what’s the real issue here? Sure, Ireland took a huge step forward with the 2018 referendum, but the reality is that access to abortion is still limited. There are waiting lists, time limits, GPs not wanting to offer abortion services, and in general, not enough services available for women who need them.

And for those who need abortions later in pregnancy, the choices can feel like a dead end. That’s why so many women are still travelling to England, where the procedure is available without the same restrictions.

It’s evident that we need more than just a change in the law. We need better access to healthcare, more support for women, and a system that doesn’t make people feel like they’re overcoming massive obstacles just to get basic medical care. 

The right to choose

In 2025, we should be asking ourselves: Why are we still letting women feel like they have to leave the country to get proper care?

Isn’t it supposed to be their right to choose what happens to their bodies, no matter where they live? Right now, the system leaves many women with no choice to go elsewhere for the care they need.

We’ve made progress, but the truth is, we still have a long way to go. It’s not just about legalising abortion, it’s about making sure that all women, no matter where they live, can access safe, supportive, and timely healthcare without all the extra barriers. This isn’t just a legal issue, it’s a question of equality.

No woman should have to travel thousands of kilometres, endure extra emotional stress, or face financial hardship just to receive basic healthcare. It’s time for us to ensure that the laws are not only in place but that they actually work for the women that need them. No one should have to travel for the care they deserve.

Words by Emilia Cercel