Providing abortion care: Navigating the regulatory framework

Abortion care in Ireland is heavily regulated when compared with other forms of healthcare and the decisions that providers make in navigating this environment have an important impact on access to abortion care. This article explores the regulatory framework from a provider perspective, analysing the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 and other regulatory elements including the Medical Council Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (9th ed., 2024); the Health Services Executive Model of Care; and clinical guidance. Drawing on a qualitative study relating to early medical abortion in primary care conducted by the authors in summer 2022, the article uses a legal consciousness framework to explore how providers engage with the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in their clinical practice. The findings from this study support the case for legislative reform. However, the article also argues that access can be substantially improved through the development of clear guidance that prioritises a commitment to women's autonomy and health and is informed by the experiences of service users and providers.