A GP in Wexford, Ireland has said it is an “absolute scandal” that GPs are paid almost double for administering an abortion compared to management of pregnancy.
Dr Grainne Pinaqui of The Faythe Medical Practice, told Independent.ie that GPs are only paid €250 for managing pregnancies compared to €450 for the administration of abortion.
She said: “If I see an [ante]-natal patient who is happy to continue with her pregnancy there can be about seven visits involved, and if there are complications, there will be more. For a pregnancy like that we get paid €250”.
“We have to check they’re OK so it’s maintaining someone and supporting her through a pregnancy and with a baby with colic which can be very emotional, and even through pregnancy loss”.
However, €450 is paid for three visits for the administration of abortion. “Pregnancy termination is far more highly paid than antenatal care”, she said.
Right To Life UK spokesperson, Catherine Robinson, said: “Dr Pinaqui is right to draw attention to this scandal. It is indeed desperately sad that doctors are being given a financial incentive to end life as opposed to maintaining it”.