Robust committee exchanges over three-day abortion wait
There have been robust exchanges at the Health Committee with disagreements between members and witnesses over the mandatory three-day waiting period under current abortion legislation.
The Health Committee engaged in robust discussions regarding the mandatory three-day waiting period for abortion procedures, with disagreements arising between members and witnesses. Two pro-life general practitioners, who do not offer abortion services, were called as witnesses to testify on the topic. Dr Andrew O Regan argued that the three-day wait provides women with time to reflect and seek support, citing HSE statistics showing that over 10,000 women who attended their first appointment did not return.
He maintained that the three-day period is a moderate safeguard, with no clinical reason to remove it. Fianna Fáil TD Martin Ryan, a GP with 35 years of experience, questioned Dr O Regan about his stance on abortion, to which the witness responded that he is pro-life.
Fine Gael TD Peter Roche emphasized that the three-day wait is the sole safeguard in place, stating that there are thousands of children under the age of seven who are happily adjusted in life due to this safeguard. He believed that without the three-day wait, women would be less likely to obtain information and would likely experience regret over their decision.
Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke inquired about Dr O Regan's acceptance of the referendum result, to which the witness affirmed his agreement. He also contested the review of the legislation suggesting the removal of the mandatory three-day waiting period.
Dr Kirsten Fuller, another witness, shared that many women expressed regret after undergoing an abortion. The committee chair, Padraig Rice, asked Dr Fuller if she accepted that there was no clinical reason to retain the three-day waiting period, to which she replied that there is something more important than clinical reasons: lives.
The HSE representative at the previous committee meeting stated that there was no clinical justification for the waiting period. Dr O Regan reiterated that they operate under the two-patient model, with the responsibility of caring for both the mother and the baby.
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