The Manchester Metropolitan University has been appointed to undertake a key part of the review into Ireland’s abortion laws.

The contract was awarded following a public procurement process and will see the university carry out research into the experiences of GPs and medical practitioners who provide abortions, as well as medical colleges and the Health Service Executive. The research team will present their findings to barrister Marie O’Shea who is the chair of the overall review which is ongoing.

The overall review will be split into two main phases. The first involves widespread collection of evidence about how the laws are operating, including the university team’s research into abortion providers as well as separate research into the experience of women who undergo abortions, and a more widespread public consultation.

The second phase of the review will be led by the independent chair who will examine whether the objectives of the 2018 legislation have been achieved.