Dublin, Ireland (LifeNews.com) -- For the seventh straight year, the rate of women heading from Ireland to England for abortions has declined. The information comes from the most recent abortion figures released by the Department of Health in London and Irish pro-life groups are heralding the news.

In 2008, 4,600 Irish women traveled to England for an abortion, a figure down from 4,686 the previous year.

Dr. Berry Kiely of the Pro-Life Campaign, a pro-life group based in Ireland, told LifeNews.com he is delighted by the news and hopes the numbers drop significantly more in the future.

"The Pro Life Campaign welcomes the latest drop in Ireland's abortion rate. However, the reduction should not be taken for granted," he said.

"Priority must be given to ensuring adequate resources are in place to assist expectant mothers in continuing with their pregnancies. We cannot honestly confront the reality of crisis pregnancy without also recognizing the life and dignity of the unborn child," Kiely explained.

Data form the United States shows that abortions are on the rise because of the troubled economy and Kiely told LifeNews.com that women who want to keep their babies face an added pressure over maternity leave.

"Anecdotal evidence that, due to the economic downturn, some women are experiencing unreasonable pressures in the workplace over issues like maternity leave need to taken seriously," he said. "Despite the economic situation, there is a huge onus on employers to try and minimize pressures on expectant mothers in the workforce."

Kiely also responded to claims that the reduction in the abortion rate may be due to more Irish women opting for abortions in European countries, other than in Britain.

The Irish Family Planning Association claims has contended that has been the case for years.

"There is no official data to back up such claims," he said.

"The suggestion is made that perhaps more Irish women are traveling to Holland for abortions. However, the official Dutch statistics in recent years show little or no change in the number of abortions involving people from outside its jurisdiction," he noted.

In all, 5,585 Irish women traveled to England for abortions in 2005.

Related web sites:
Pro-Life Campaign - http://www.prolifecampaign.ie

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