Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

RCNI executive director Fiona Neary Julien Behal/PA Archive/PA Images
Rape stats

40 girls under 18 became pregnant following a rape in 2011

A total of 17 Irish women who became pregnant due to a rape terminated the pregnancy in 2011. Nine were under the age of 18.

NINTEEN GIRLS UNDER the age of 18 gave birth to a child conceived as a result of rape in 2011.

New stats from the the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) show that 40 girls under the age of 18 had become pregnant as the result of a rape in 2011 and that:

  • 19 survivors, under the age of 18, went on to give birth and raise the child
  • Nine rape victims had terminations
  • Seven miscarried or had stillbirths
  • Five had given the child up for adoption or fostering

The data, which was collected from the 15 rape crisis centres across the country in 2011, showed that 105 children attended the centres in 2011.

In total, 2,036 females attended a rape crisis centre in 2011, of whom:

  • 90 had become pregnant as a result of a rape
  • 17 had terminated the pregnancy
  • Two survivors had become pregnant more than once as a result of rapes

RCNI executive director Fiona Neary said that the figures provide context to the abortion debate.

“In the abortion debate there has been some talk about the case of women who have been raped and are pregnant as a result. It is important this discussion is informed by the best available facts and a compassionate understanding of the realities facing these girls and women in Ireland

These numbers represent one part of the picture as not all rape survivors seek or can access RCC support.

Read: ‘A historic moment in Ireland, but not one to be celebrated’ – reaction to the passing of the abortion bill

Catch-up: The things you should know about final Dáil abortion vote

Your Voice
Readers Comments
83
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.