The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said that it is concerned about the continued absence of any clinical guidelines in relation to the operation of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act.

The Act, which specifies when an abortion can be carried out in this country, formally commenced on January 1, however no clinical guidelines were available at this time.

A working group was set up last autumn by Health Minister, Dr James Reilly, to draw up guidelines, but to date, none have been issued.

The IMO has now written to Minister Reilly requesting that these guidelines are developed ‘as a matter of urgency'. It is also calling for arrangements to be put in place to support doctors in the interim.

According to IMO president, Dr Matt Sadlier, this lack of guidelines is ‘very regrettable'.

"There are no guidelines available for psychiatrists who are expected to certify if there is a real and substantial threat to the life of a patient by suicide or for GPs who may have to refer patients to secondary care services or to other colleagues," he explained.

He noted that while the aim of the Act is to provide clarity to both women and doctors, without guidelines, they are faced with ‘continued uncertainty'.

"The aim of establishing clinical guidelines is to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care, based on international best evidence. Failure to comply with best-practice guidelines can lead to the rapid deterioration of a patient's condition and/or death.

"All the cases provided for by the legislation are rare and therefore guidelines are required to ensure safe, quality and timely care," Dr Sadlier added.