We gratefully acknowledge the support of the National Disability Authority, who commissioned this study, the third report of a 3-part project. Thanks are due especially to the women who participated in the study. They graciously gave their time, recounted their views and allowed us unreserved access to their experiences of a very special and life-changing event in their lives. Without them we would not have the information that informed this work, and we are very grateful. We also thank all those personnel from the voluntary bodies listed in Appendix 1 for their help and advice.
While the National Disability Authority (NDA) has commissioned and funded this research, this was a joint initiative between NDA and the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI). A Steering Group composed of members of the NDA, the NWCI, the Health Service Executive and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency provided advice and guidance to the research team. Responsibility for the research, however, (including any errors or omissions) remains with the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin. The views and opinions contained in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the NDA or the NWCI.