Taoiseach and Tánaiste to back Sinn Féin bill removing three-day abortion waiting period

Free vote for Government TDs as legislation advances to remove mandatory delay before accessing abortion care.

Taoiseach Michéal Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris back ending three-day abortion waiting period. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris will both vote in favour of a Sinn Féin bill to remove the three-day waiting period for abortion services.

The Dáil is set to debate a bill tabled by Sinn Féin on Tuesday evening that seeks to remove the three-day reflection period that a woman must wait between seeking an abortion from a doctor and accessing the service.

The move comes just weeks after the Government and Sinn Féin voted against a similar motion from the Social Democrats, citing concerns about aspects of the proposed legislation, including changes to when abortions would be permitted in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

Responding to questions from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil, the Taoiseach confirmed that he will vote in favour of the legislation and said further debate should take place at the Oireachtas health committee.

Mr Martin said he recognised that abortion was a “sensitive issue” and that there were “a range of opinions”.

“The people did vote to repeal the 8th Amendment in 2018 and to provide free, safe and legal access to termination services,” the Taoiseach said.

“I am aware of the arguments for and against the removal of the three-day waiting period. It is important we have a respectful debate in the house.

“I intend to vote for this to go through to committee stage. At committee stage there will be, perhaps, a need for consequential amendments.”

A spokesperson for the Tánaiste confirmed there would be a free vote for Government TDs during the debate and that they would not be instructed to vote in a particular way.

“The Tánaiste will support the Bill to remove the three-day waiting period,” he confirmed.

“That is his personal view and is reflective of the engagement he has had with women and medical professionals."

Ms McDonald said she hoped all TDs would vote in favour of abolishing the three-day waiting period, arguing that it was “causing real damage to women” and meant some were surpassing the 12-week pregnancy limit and could no longer access an abortion in Ireland.

“I believe we can do this together, Taoiseach,” she told the Dáil.

“I hope that every TD will look to trust, to care, and to compassion when they cast their vote on this matter.”

The proposal to remove the three-day waiting period will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday evening and voted on on Wednesday evening.