There were at least 8,156 abortions in Ireland in 2022 – the highest number yet – according to new figures released by the Department of Health.

Reacting to the news, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Eilís Mulroy said the figures show that for every seven babies born, one was aborted.

“The Irish abortion rate has dramatically jumped, as the result of a government which has shown a complete lack of interest in providing women in unplanned pregnancies with real alternatives to abortion. Politicians’ only focus now should be on reducing the numbers, not on making the abortion regime even more pervasive”.

Ms Mulroy noted the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar’s, recent concern about high abortion numbers. Yet, she said a radical Bill which passed second stage of the Dáil to expand the abortion law would “see the abortion rate climb even higher”.

“If Mr Varadkar is serious about seeing a decrease in the abortion rate, he urgently needs to focus on providing women in unplanned pregnancies with greater supports and alternatives to abortion. He must also engage with and listen to pro-life perspectives, instead of relying exclusively on abortion advocates in setting policy in this area.”