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Demand for abortion pills online has soared

Women Help Women is one of a number of internet providers of medication for medical abortions that women here are using, although importation of the pills is illegal (stock photo) Expand

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Women Help Women is one of a number of internet providers of medication for medical abortions that women here are using, although importation of the pills is illegal (stock photo)

Women Help Women is one of a number of internet providers of medication for medical abortions that women here are using, although importation of the pills is illegal (stock photo)

Women Help Women is one of a number of internet providers of medication for medical abortions that women here are using, although importation of the pills is illegal (stock photo)

Eilish O'Regan Twitter Email

An online provider of abortion pills has revealed how demand for medication from women in Ireland who want to terminate pregnancies has soared.

Women Help Women said it mailed abortion pills to 878 women in Ireland last year - up from 302 in 2016.

It is one of a number of internet providers of medication for medical abortions that women here are using, although importation of the pills is illegal.

The rise in demand was highlighted by the Together for Yes campaign group yesterday, which is calling for Repeal of the Eighth Amendment in the referendum.

Obstetricians who are supporting the group warned of the risks women face if they take the medication without medical supervision.

Ailbhe Smyth, a co-director of Together For Yes, said: "Access to early abortion care in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy will go a very long way to addressing the needs of women and girls in Ireland who are currently ordering abortion pills illegally online."

She heard of a woman who recently stayed in a hotel room to administer the medication due to her fear and anxiety.

Women Help Women is a non-profit organisation and asks for a donation.

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