TFMR in Ireland

In today's episode we are joined by Jen Ryan. Jen is a campaigner for TFMR Ireland and LMC Bereavement Support. She is a mum who has experienced her own TFMR in 2012, before the laws changed, allowing women to access abortions up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

We talk to her about her personal experience of having to travel to England to have her TFMR and what impact this had on her grieving process. We explore that although Ireland changed their laws 3 years ago to allow for terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, for any reason (fatal or non-fatal), many women will still face barriers to accessing the care they need and have to travel.

Jen talks about the nuances of TFMR in Ireland. What women and their families go through when living in a country that politicises their bodies and how the fear of being ostracised, even criminalised, leads to deeper feelings of shame and guilt. 

The pandemic has created yet more barriers, often meaning women have to travel alone and have their babies alone. This has been a possible trauma for some that has always existed in Ireland (financial restrictions can often mean women's partners will need to stay behind for example), but Covid has made this more people's reality.

You can follow Jen on Instagram @jenrok, or TFMR Ireland @tfmr_ireland, or LMC Bereavement Support @lmc_bereavement_support

We hope you enjoy this episode. Let us know what you think, we love hear from you! You can follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TimeToTalkTFMR and Twitter @talkTFMR and email us on talkTFMR@yahoo.com