Politicians have called on the Irish Government to tackle the “alarming” rise in coerced abortions.
Members of the All Party Oireachtas Life and Dignity Group issued a statement recommending that a special taskforce be set up with a mandate to independently investigate the increase and its cause.
In February, Judge John Alymer in Letterkenny sentenced 28-year-old Adeleke Adelani to eleven years, with the final two years suspended, for forcing his girlfriend to take abortion pills, and five years with the last year suspended for causing harm to the mother.
Warning signs
Deputy Carol Nolan said: “Tragically, the recent case in Letterkenny is only one in a growing list.”
She stated: “We need to confront the reality of forced abortion and recognise that its impact likely extends far beyond the cases that have received publicity to date.
“The Government cannot continue to ignore the warning signs. It needs to take urgent action to address the situation and consult widely to find the best way forward.”
Failing women
Senator Sharon Keogan said: “All the coercive abortion cases that have come to light to date raise wider systemic concerns about whether any thought has been given to investigating the possible links to telemedicine abortion.
She added: “When women do not have a face-to-face consultation with a doctor prior to getting the abortion pills, there is a higher risk that forced abortions could go undetected. Related to these concerns is the question: how did the men get access to the abortion pills?”
Senator Sarah O’Reilly said: “The Government refuses to scrutinise the current abortion system and as a result they are failing women right across this country.
She urged the Government to “listen to all voices when it comes to legislating for abortion, not just pro-abortion activists”, and warned that: “By not challenging the abortion regime a vacuum is being created where abuse and coercion can flourish.”
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