The British Pregnancy Advisory Service is defending its decision to provide a helpline to Irish women who have bought abortion pills online.

The drugs which are illegal in Ireland induce a miscarraige in the early stages of pregnancy.

The free phone service aims to offer support to women who might be afraid to seek medical help here – due to our abortion laws.

CEO Anne Furedi says they are simply offering support to women in need: “We know there is a need for some women to talk to a nurse who is experienced in early medical abortion.

“Frankly, until those women can get the help they need in their own country, the best thing we can do is provide that help on the phone from here.”