NI women ‘discriminated’ over no offer of early pregnancy scans

A new framework for abortion services in Northern Ireland drawn up by the Northern Ireland Office took effect in March 2020.

It also means no time limit for terminations when there is a “substantial risk” a foetus would suffer a severe mental or physical impairment.

The RCOG has called for earlier scans, with some medics arguing women in Northern Ireland are being “discriminated against”.

Dr Monaghan, who is member of the ROCG, said the late diagnosis at the 20-week “big scan” affects how women choose to manage their pregnancy.

“It limits access to care, including palliative care; it limits what decisions they can make and, as it comes at a later stage in their pregnancy, it puts them under time pressure to make decisions,” said Dr Monaghan.

“It also affects a woman’s physical and mental well-being.”

Dr Monaghan added that screening is not only about the screening of genetic conditions.

“It’s about screening for important conditions such as preeclampsia which can affect both mums and babies from an early stage in pregnancy,” she added.