Abortion is healthcare – 3 Day waiting period for accessing services must end
- Tánaiste’s opinion on healthcare not evidence-based
- Telemedicine appointments should be universally accessible
Labour’s Senator Annie Hoey, is urgently calling for the abolition of the mandatory 3-day waiting period to access abortion medication.
Senator Hoey said:
“The three-day waiting period serves as a major impediment for women attempting to access crucial reproductive healthcare services. The Tánaiste says he is not convinced, but The O’Shea report unequivocally recommends its removal, acknowledging that this ‘reflection’ time is unnecessary and places an undue burden on those in need.
“The removal of the three-day wait is not just about women’s autonomy; it’s about reducing the workload for our dedicated healthcare professionals. GPs, who are committed to providing abortion care, would benefit significantly from this change. No one seeks abortion without thoughtful consideration, and the three-day wait only hinders the process without adding any meaningful value.
“The Irish Family Planning Association’s analysis reveals that the overwhelming majority of women attending their first appointment for abortion care proceed to the second appointment. Insisting on a paternalistic approach, the Tánaiste’s insistence on maintaining the three-day wait is simply impractical. No other patient is subjected to such unnecessary delays when seeking essential healthcare.
“It is time to eliminate the three-day waiting period. Furthermore, we must ensure that the right to a telemedicine appointment is universally accessible to all women, providing a practical and inclusive approach to reproductive healthcare.”