Figures show fall in Irish women seeking abortions in UK
The number of women with Irish addresses having abortions in Britain reportedly fell for the fifth consecutive year last year.
Reports this morning said figures from the British health authorities showed that 5,585 Irish addresses were given by women who attended abortion clinics in 2005. This compares to 6,217 in 2004.
This is the fifth year in a row in which the figure has declined.
However, it is debatable whether the figure provides an accurate assessment of the true situation as many Irish women seeking abortions may provide the addresses of British relatives or friends.
This morning's reports said the British statistics showed that the number of teenagers with Irish addresses seeking abortions had fallen significantly from 903 in 2001 to 655 in 2005.
However, the number of women over 40 who provide Irish addresses has increased from 257 to 280 in the same period.
