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Emotional Support for Women Attending Fetal Medicine High Risk Clinic

Medical Social Work provides psychosocial support and counselling to women/couples who experience a difficult diagnosis in pregnancy.

This support is person centred, acknowledging the importance of self-determination and agency in a time where there is limited sense of control in life. This support is available in person or virtually. This support meets the person where they are, with gentle compassion, exploring fears, concerns and whatever may arise. Grief is a universal human response to a difficult diagnosis and support is offered to help process this. This support is non-judgmental and voluntary allowing women and couples to explore their options. Should they consider a termination of pregnancy, support is offered in line with current Irish and international legislation and in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary specialist team in the Fetal Medicine Unit.

Legislation guidance summary

Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018

  • Allows for a termination of any pregnancy under 12 weeks gestation (GP > 9weeks, hospital > 12 weeks)
  • Section 9 allows for termination where there is a serious risk to the life or of serious harm to the health of the mother
  • Section 11 allows for termination of pregnancy in the case of a condition likely to lead to death of a foetus, either before, or within 28 days of birth.
  • Women retain the right to travel for termination of pregnancy and a right to information regarding termination of pregnancy

Additional community supports include;