Figures released to Offaly TD show over 9,000 Irish abortions last year

Figures released by the HSE to Laois-Offaly TD Carol Nolan showed that from January to November of last year, GPs made claims for reimbursements for a total of 9,218 abortions.

A statement by the Pro Life Campaign said the figure did not include terminations carried out in a hospital setting.

"This figure is far in excess of the annual notifications report for every preceding year, despite the fact this figure is just for GP claims and does not include hospital abortions," said Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Eilís Mulroy.

"As such, the abortion rate is likely much higher and undoubtedly exceeds 10,000."

Deputy Nolan, who campaigned for a No vote in the 2018 referendum on the repeal of the Eighth Amenment, said there was an "under-promotion" of alternatives to abortion.

"This is now an epidemic of loss," said the Independent TD.

"Thousands of women are being betrayed by the over promotion of abortion as the only possible response to pregnancy in certain circumstances, and the cruel under-promotion of life-affirming alternatives.

"I will continue to shine a light on this issue so that women and families are fully supported with the kind of wrap-around service provision that will meaningfully assist them in choosing a different path beyond that of abortion," she concluded.