Ongoing need for education in abortion care

Summary: This study examines the barriers and facilitators of the Irish abortion policy implementation, focusing on the community provision of early medical abortion. Through qualitative in-depth interviews, the study reveals that a collaborative approach between the government and medical community and strong support systems for providers have facilitated the community-based abortion provision. However, challenges such as the mandatory wait period, unclear referral pathways, and provider shortages remain. Access to abortion care in Ireland has greatly expanded since the policy implementation in 2019, with the community delivery of care and the national helpline serving as key features that could be replicated in other contexts and countries.

Summary: The study found that abortion care providers in Ireland face higher levels of social isolation when dealing with abortion-related stigma compared to providers in the USA. Irish providers reported fewer experiences of judgment and discrimination in disclosing their abortion work.