HSE publishes guide on Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly

The HSE has published a new guide for people considering or undergoing Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly. While most pregnancies develop without major concerns, a small number are found to have a major fetal anomaly. Fetal anomalies are conditions that develop in pregnancy and are present in the baby (fetus) before birth, seriously affecting the baby’s health, development or long-term wellbeing.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, Dr Colm Henry said: “A diagnosis of fetal anomaly is often unexpected and can cause profound emotional and psychological distress for women and parents. At what can be an incredibly difficult and frightening time, the quality of the information, communication and support they receive can make a lasting difference. Today’s launch is therefore ultimately about how we provide care, how we listen to women and families, and how we continue to improve termination of pregnancy services in Ireland.”

For many people, this diagnosis is sudden, complex and deeply distressing, and the decision to end a pregnancy can be a uniquely complicated and painful experience. This booklet aims to provide information about the diagnosis, pregnancy options, and the steps involved, as well as supports available.

It also covers the legal and clinical aspects of navigating a diagnosis of fetal anomaly in the Republic of Ireland, according to the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.

This booklet was developed by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group in Ireland, in collaboration with the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), with the input of people with lived experience, advocacy groups including LMC Bereavement Support, and healthcare professionals. It also draws on legal resources, guidelines, research and reviews.

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician; Lead, Pregnancy Loss Research Group, UCC said: “The Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly booklet is a practical, compassionate guide for anyone affected by a diagnosis of major fetal anomaly who is considering, undergoing, or recovering from termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly in Ireland.  It can be used as a reference at different stages rather than read all at once, but aims to be a single, reliable Irish source that explains this entire pathway of care clearly and sensitively. We hope it also supports partners, families and healthcare professionals by bringing clinical, legal, emotional and practical information together in one resource.”

Related publications

• Termination of Pregnancy: Guide to the 2018 Legislation
• Termination of Pregnancy Services in Ireland Report (2019-2025)