Key facts
- Ireland's parliament voted to remove a mandatory three-day waiting period for early pregnancy abortions.
- The bill passed the Dáil with 86 votes in favor and 70 against.
- Supporters argued the rule was an unnecessary restriction on women's healthcare.
- Opponents stated the rule was a safeguard endorsed in the 2018 referendum.
- A 2022 review recommended removing the three-day rule.
Ireland's parliament has voted to remove a mandatory three-day waiting period for early-term abortions, a significant change to women's healthcare since the country ended its constitutional ban on abortion in 2018. The bill, sponsored by Sinn Féin, passed the Dáil on Wednesday night with 86 votes in favor and 70 against.
Supporters of the legislation argued that the waiting period was an unnecessary barrier to accessing healthcare, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald stating that women and healthcare providers had long called for its removal. Some deputies who voted in favor, including Fine Gael's Barry Ward, argued that removing the wait period respects individual decision-making and does not assume women will not carefully consider their options.
A 2022 review by barrister Marie O'Shea had recommended removing the three-day rule and other restrictions. The ruling coalition parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, allowed their deputies a free vote on the matter.
Opponents of the bill contended that the three-day wait was a safeguard endorsed by voters in the 2018 referendum, providing an opportunity for reflection. They cited figures indicating that approximately 10,400 women did not return for a second abortion consultation between 2019 and 2024. Robert Troy, a Fianna Fáil junior minister, expressed concern that changing the rule would undermine protections that some voters relied on when approving the legalization of abortion. Peadar Tóibín, leader of the Aontú party, claimed there was no public appetite for removing the wait period and that many who voted for repeal were angered by the proposed change.