Record-breaking number of abortions in Ireland reaches nearly 11,000 in 2024
In 2024, Ireland recorded a significant rise in the number of abortions, with January reporting the highest number (1,056) and February the lowest (820) of the year[1]. The total number of abortions in 2024 was 10,852, the highest recorded figure since the law changed in 2018[2].
Since the legalization of abortion on demand up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the number of abortions in Ireland has gradually increased[2]. The steady increase reflects improved access and possibly greater social acceptance. In 2024, this figure marked the highest annual total reported since legalization[2].
The legislation allows abortions on demand up to 12 weeks without condition, aligning Ireland with many European countries permitting abortion under similar circumstances[4]. The repeal of the Eighth Amendment in 2018 marked a significant shift in Irish law and society, reflecting changing attitudes towards reproductive rights[4][2].
The increase in abortion numbers over recent years signifies broader access and utilization of abortion services under the new legal framework. More detailed breakdowns on age, socioeconomic status, and reasons for abortion might be available in official health department reports but were not present in the current search results[2].
While specific demographic data from Ireland post-2018 is not detailed, global and European trends often show that women seeking abortions are typically in their late teens to mid-30s, with a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds. Ireland likely follows similar patterns due to comparable health and social contexts[3].
The National Women's Council and the Pro Life Campaign, among other groups, have made statements regarding the increasing number of abortions. The National Women's Council has addressed the issue of women traveling from Ireland to the UK for abortion care, while the Pro Life Campaign has expressed concern over the rising figures[3].
The Christian Institute's director, Ciarán Kelly, and the leader of the pro-life and pro-women movement of the UK Evangelical Alliance, Dawn McAvoy, have voiced their concerns, with Kelly stating that every human life, including the unborn, is precious in God's sight, and McAvoy describing the current situation as "abandonment" rather than healthcare[3].
In Ireland, abortion is permitted up to the first 24 weeks of a pregnancy, and can be performed after this time under specific circumstances[1]. It's important to note that about 240 women travel to the UK from Ireland every year to access abortion care[1].
The publication of these facts comes from Evangelical Focus, Europe[5]. The number of abortions in 2024 represents a surge of almost 9% over the abortions carried out in 2023, and is 62.8% higher compared to 2019, the first year under the new law[2]. The majority of abortions performed in 2024 (98.7%) were not performed due to a risk to the health or life of the mother, or a condition likely to result in the death of the unborn child[2].
References:
[1] Evangelical Focus. (n.d.). Ireland: Record number of abortions in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.evangelicalfocus.com/news/ireland-record-number-of-abortions-in-2024
[2] O'Reilly, C. (2025, March 1). Ireland sees record number of abortions in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/ireland-sees-record-number-of-abortions-in-2024-1.48682271
[3] The Irish Times. (2025, March 2). Pro-life and women's groups react to record number of abortions in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/pro-life-and-womens-groups-react-to-record-number-of-abortions-in-2024-1.48685000
[4] O'Connor, R. (2021, January 1). Abortion in Ireland: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49146223
[5] Evangelical Focus. (n.d.). Ireland: Record number of abortions in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.evangelicalfocus.com/news/ireland-record-number-of-abortions-in-2024
- The increase in the number of abortions in Ireland, particularly in 2024, underscores the need for policy-and-legislation discussions regarding women's health, mental-health, and health-and-wellness, drawing attention to the broader implications of such policies.
- The rise in abortions recorded in Ireland post-2018, as seen in 2024's statistics, brings politics into focus as various groups voice their opinions, emphasizing the discourse between pro-choice and pro-life advocates.
- Amidst the general-news on the record number of abortions in Ireland in 2024, the spotlight is on the distinction between providing accessible health services and addressing mental-health concerns related to women's health and policy-and-legislation.
