St Luke’s says ‘No’ to abortion

St Luke’s says ‘No’ to abortion St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny

The Government has said it is investigating a hospital which is refusing to provide abortions.

Four consultant obstetricians at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, wrote to GPs in the area to advise that abortion services are not available in the hospital. The letter said it was “decided unanimously that the hospital is not an appropriate location for medical or surgical terminations”.

In response to this decision, the Department of Health told The Irish Catholic that it is to engage with [the] HSE about the matter.

“The Minister has asked his Department to engage with the HSE to address his concerns regarding the recent letter sent to Ireland East Hospital Group from consultants in St Luke’s Hospital. Additional resources have been allocated to provide for termination of pregnancy services this year including the provision of services at St Luke’s.”

The department added that it is policy that all 19 maternity hospitals be in a position to “provide termination of pregnancy services”.