According to recent data shared by the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE), several infants born alive after late-term abortions in Ireland have reportedly received insufficient medical care before passing away. The figures were revealed in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Independent TD Ken O’Flynn.
In 2022, twelve newborns in Irish hospitals were born alive after attempted terminations and later died. In 2020, ten infants survived the procedure briefly before passing away. The HSE did not release figures for some other years.
TD O’Flynn expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency surrounding how these infants were treated. He criticized the lack of information, stating, “It is hard to fathom that babies are being born alive … and sadly you have to go round in circles just to get answers as to how the babies are treated once they come into this world.” He called for greater openness and accountability from health authorities.
The pro-life organization Pro Life Campaign condemned the statistics as “truly shocking” and demanded clarity regarding what so-called “comfort care” was provided. They pressed the government to increase transparency and accountability in decisions surrounding late-term abortions.