HSE says three-day abortion waiting period has no clinical basis, faces committee review

The Health Service Executive is set to testify before the Oireachtas health committee, asserting that the compulsory three-day waiting period for abortions under 12 weeks has no clinical necessity. Dr Cliona Murphy, clinical director of the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme, highlighted that while the wait can be removed, women should still have the option for additional reflection if they choose. The committee will also hear from Dr Mary Horgan, chief medical officer of the Department of Health, who maintained a neutral stance and deferred the decision to the legislative process.

The testimony supports a Sinn Féin Private Members’ Bill introduced in May, which aims to amend the 2018 abortion law that originally imposed the waiting period. The bill passed its second stage in the Dáil with support from the Taoiseach and other senior ministers, despite opposition from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members. Recent reviews and statements from the Irish College for General Practitioners have also questioned the evidence for the wait, noting it can hinder timely access to care.