The Health Minister Simon Harris has said he felt “a bit sickened” about information reportedly being given out at a Dublin-based pregnancy counselling service.

An undercover investigation for the Irish edition of ‘The Times’ found women were being told that abortions increase the risk of breast cancer. Doctors say the information is not accurate.

The counsellor also said that women who have terminations can also abuse children they give birth to later, through neglect or ‘over-protection’.

Consultant obstetrician Dr Peter Boylan told RTE Radio One’s News at One there was no increased risk of cancer among women who have had abortions, and that women who had abortions were not more likely to abuse their children.

Speaking in Dublin this afternoon, Simon Harris said he wanted the service investigated, and would consider regulating pregnancy counselling services here.

“I actually feel a bit sickened from what I’ve read this morning,” he said.

“I’ve asked my officials for an urgent update on this situation, and to present me with policy options.

“It’s essential women in this country are provided with factual information and certainly what I read in the newspapers today is very alarming.”