Abolition of three day wait in real jeopardy. Minister must intervene.
Abolition of three day wait in real jeopardy. Minister must intervene. - The Labour Party
- O’Shea Review recommendation remains unimplemented more than three years after publication
Labour health spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD has warned that the removal of the mandatory three-day waiting period for abortion care is now in real jeopardy following today’s Health Committee hearing. She called on the Minister for Health to clarify the Government’s position and ensure that the clear recommendation of the independent O’Shea Review progresses without further delay.
Deputy Sherlock said:
“Today’s hearing exposed a deeply concerning level of Government backsliding on abortion access. The Dáil has already voted to remove the mandatory three-day wait, yet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael now appear prepared to block that change at Committee. The Minister for Health must immediately clarify whether the Government still supports this reform.
“Unfortunately, we also heard deeply hurtful comments from a Fine Gael TD comparing the three-day waiting period to a ‘three-day hangover’. Such language trivialises abortion care and displays an appalling ignorance of the reality faced by people seeking healthcare. It will cause real hurt to those who have had an abortion and to everyone who cares deeply about access to compassionate reproductive healthcare.
“Members of the Irish College of General Practitioners presented evidence to the Committee in good faith. They spoke on behalf of their professional body and answered questions openly and honestly. Attempts by Government TDs and Senators to undermine the bona fides of the ICGP because its evidence did not suit their political position were totally unacceptable.
“The evidence presented today was clear. There is no clinical basis for forcing every patient to wait three days after consulting a doctor before accessing abortion care. The O’Shea Review recommended replacing the mandatory delay with a statutory right to an optional reflection period. More than three years later, Government has failed to implement that recommendation.
“Blocking this reform would overturn the will of the Dáil and represent a serious retreat from the Government’s commitments on abortion access. It would leave a medically unnecessary barrier in place despite the evidence presented by GPs and the clear recommendation of the independent review.
“The Minister for Health can no longer remain silent. She must confirm that Government supports removing the mandatory three-day wait and that Government representatives will not block this reform at Committee. Patients deserve healthcare based on evidence, compassion and respect, not political manoeuvring and medically unnecessary delays.”