Following commencement of the
Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, termination of pregnancy services are available in Ireland since 1 January 2019. Abortion services are being provided by the HSE, through GPs or family planning services, and in maternity units and hospitals.
Pharmacists will primarily be involved in the supply of medicines to the GP/ family planning service (via a HSE stock order). Further information on this process and the medicines involved is available from the
HSE. Queries from pharmacists on this service should be directed to
Pharmacy.Response@hse.ie. Pharmacists, as part of their usual professional role, should facilitate the safe use of medicines and support appropriate patient care in the provision of this service.
Further information on unplanned pregnancy support services, including resources for healthcare professionals and information on termination of pregnancy services is available on the HSE website,
myoptions.ie. Patients can also be directed to the My Options freephone line on 1800 828 010 for support.
The statutory
Code of Conduct for pharmacists sets out the principles for professional practice and behaviour which patients, members of the public, other healthcare professionals and society require and expect of pharmacists who are registered with the PSI. The Code of Conduct is intended to provide support and guidance to pharmacists as they discharge their professional duties.
The Code requires pharmacists to ensure that in instances where they are unable to provide prescribed medicines or pharmacy services to a patient or another heathcare professional, they must take reasonable action to ensure those medicines or services are provided and that the patient’s care is not jeopardised.