New RTÉ Investigates programme on abortion exposes counselling services misleading women

Counselling services misleading women will reportedly be exposed in a new RTÉ documentary about Ireland's abortion services. 

RTÉ Investigates looked at the realities of Ireland's current abortion services and gaps in the system of care five years on from the landmark referendum to repeal the 8th amendment. 

According to RTÉ, although abortion services are now available in Ireland, some women are reportedly still forced to travel abroad. 

Viewers will hear about a woman named Alison, who travelled to Liverpool for a termination in February 2022 following the detection of foetal anomalies at her 20 week scan. 

She was reportedly advised of "a really low life expectancy" by a cardiologist. 

Sharing her heartbreaking story with RTÉ Investigates, Alison said, "You almost feel like you are leaving with your hoods up in the dark of night." 

RTÉ Investigates reporter Aoife Hegarty has been examining Ireland’s abortion services for seven months, with her research culminating in Monday night's broadcast. 

An RTÉ spokesperson states: "This documentary is not about looking at the rights or wrongs of abortion but rather examines the Government commissioned review of Ireland's abortion legislation published early last year.

"The Termination of Pregnancy Act had provided for such a review three years after its implementation. The landmark report made a number of recommendations for amendments to the law." 

'RTÉ Investigates: Ireland's Abortion Services' airs this Monday April 15 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.