Legalisation of termination of pregnancy in Ireland and the development of a service between primary and secondary care.

BACKGROUND

Expanded termination of pregnancy (TOP) was regulated in Ireland in December 2018 and services began within the Irish healthcare system in January 2019.

METHODS

An audit was performed of all attendances at a newly established TOP clinic, for pregnancies <12 weeks, over a twelve month period.

RESULTS

Sixty-six women were seen in the clinic; 13 underwent medical TOP, 22 underwent surgical TOP, 2 miscarriages, 20 retained products following termination in primary care and 3 were beyond the 12 week limit.

CONCLUSIONS

In an age where TOP clinics are under threat, we have demonstrated the successful successfully introduction safe and effective person centred termination services within primary and secondary care. This requires a focus on women's health with timely care can provided by dedicated nurse specialists and clinicians.