Opposition parties and National Women’s Council welcome removal of three-day wait for abortion

The National Women’s Council (NWC) have said that progression of the bill to remove the three-day wait period for abortion services is a “major win” for women.

The Dáil voted in favour of the Sinn Féin bill to remove the wait by 86 votes to 70.

"We know that women in situations of domestic abuse, women living in IPAS centres, disabled women, rural women, and women on lower incomes all face more difficulties attending two GP appointments," said NWC’s Executive Director Corrinne Hasson.

"We also know that in some cases the mandatory 3-day wait timed women out of care, forcing some to travel. So it’s very welcome that this will now change.”

Mary Lou McDonald, whose party first brought forward the proposal on May 7, has said that this is an “important step forward” in women’s healthcare.

“Women, healthcare providers and campaigners have long called for this unnecessary barrier to be removed,” she said.

“I welcome the passage of this legislation today and the positive difference it will make to women accessing care.”

People Before Profit Solidarity, whose TDs unanimously voted in favour of the bill, also welcomed the verdict.

“Finally legislation to get rid of the three-day waiting period has passed, despite a majority of Fianna Fail and a lot of Fine Gael TDs voting against,” said Paul Murphy TD.

“This 'wait' was patronising and dangerous and resulted in some women being forced to travel to Britain to access abortion.”

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who also voted in favour of the bill, will now hold discussions with Attorney General Rossa Fanning and the bill could become law by the end of the year.

 

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The majority of Fianna Fáil TDs voted against the move to remove the three-day wait for abortion services, including five members of Cabinet.

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, Minister for Housing James Browne, Minister for Children Norma Foley and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler voted against the bill.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers and Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien voted for the proposal.