The HSE has said that 12 babies were born alive, after abortions, in 2022 alone.

Of the 12 cases, one was under 22 weeks, nine were at 22-27 weeks and two were at 28-31 weeks.

In Ireland, premature babies born as early as the 23rd week of pregnancy have been known to survive with proper medical care.

However, in some jurisdictions, babies born alive after abortion are left to die, while in others, doctors are obliged to give life-saving treatment.

The HSE said it does not collate specific national data on the care of babies born alive after termination of pregnancy, but all infants delivered with a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition, including those delivered following abortion, are provided with “comfort care”.

In response to the figures, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Eilís Mulroy said it was a deeply concerning humanitarian issue and that it raises questions about the standard of medical care the babies subsequently received.

Independent Ireland TD, Ken O’Flynn, said there needs to be a lot more openness surrounding the medical care given to or withheld from the babies in these situations.