The figures were released by the HSE in a parliamentary response to Independent Ireland TD, Ken O’Flynn. They were also published by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre based in Cork.
All 12 babies died soon after birth. One was under 22 weeks, nine were at 22-27 weeks and two were at 28-31 weeks.
The HSE, in its response to the TD, said it does not collate specific national audit data on the care of babies born alive after termination of pregnancy.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds, Friday, September 12
All infants delivered with a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition, including those delivered following termination of pregnancy, are provided with comfort care in line with HSE guidance, it added.
It is important to note that it is rare for a baby to be born alive following termination of pregnancy. As set out in the HSE’s National Clinical Practice Guideline on Investigation and Management of Complications of Early Termination of Pregnancy, the chance of an ongoing pregnancy after the administration of both mifepristone and misoprostol is less than 3pc, it added.
Where survival occurs, care is provided in accordance with best clinical practice and the infant’s needs, said the HSE.
Medical abortions which involve taking two medications mifepristone and misoprostol after seeing a GP is available to women who are up to 12 weeks pregnant on the day of the abortion.
Anyone who is more than nine weeks pregnant, will have the medical abortion in hospital.
Termination is also available to women in exceptional circumstances after 12 weeks if there serious risks to the life or health of the mother or the foetus has an abnormality that is likely to lead to death either before or within 28 days of birth.
Deputy O’Flynn said: “It is hard to fathom that babies are being born alive after abortions in Ireland and sadly you have to go round in circles just to get answers as to how the babies are treated once they come into this world. There needs to be a lot more openness surrounding the medical care given to or withheld from the babies in these appalling situations. The answer to my parliamentary question should serve as the beginning, not the end, of the flow of information.”
Commenting on the figures, Eilís Mulroy spokeswoman for the Pro Life Campaign said: “It is truly shocking to learn that so many babies have been born alive after abortion in Ireland and that there isn’t clarity about what so-called “comfort care” means and what standard of medical care is being provided to these babies. “
She added :”We call on the government to show much more transparency and accountability on the questions and decisions surrounding late-term abortions. The treatment of babies in these situations is first and foremost a humanitarian issue which is why it must be brought into the light.”