Concern at Number of Concealed Pregnancies

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) has expressed concern at the number of women in Ireland who hide their pregnancy from friends and family.

New research commissioned by the CPA shows that one in every 403 births at rural hospitals is concealed, while one in every 625 births in a Dublin hospital is concealed.

Women who conceal pregnancy often do not seek antenatal care until late into pregnancy, which could put their health and the health of their baby at risk.

The research shows that women who conceal their pregnancies often do so because they feel there is a strong social stigma attached to becoming pregnant outside of a relationship.

In response, the CPA is to issue guidelines to health professionals on how to deal with concealed pregnancies. Ms Katharine Bulbulia, Chairperson CPA, said it is important to set standards to ensure that women who conceal pregnancy are given support and assistance.

The figures were published in the Crisis Pregnancy Agency’s Annual Report for 2007, which was launched last week.

Posted Monday 14th July 2008