Statement in Support of Retaining the Three-day Wait before Abortion

September 2026

We, as doctors in Ireland, believe there is no medical basis for removing the three-day wait for reflection before an abortion procedure, and important reasons why it should be retained.

While we have voted in various ways on the 2018 abortion referendum, we share the view that removing the waiting period would be a negative development for women’s healthcare.

Based on our professional experience, the Health (Abolition of Three Day Wait Rule) (Amendment) Bill 2026 currently before the Dáil raises significant causes for concern.

We do not consider that the three-day wait is paternalistic. Not all women who attend a GP for a first consultation on abortion have made their minds up with certainty. Some do change their mind during the three days after their initial reaction to a positive pregnancy test. This time can be valuable to discuss the situation with a family member or friend, or to explore supports and options other than abortion.

The Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics (section 15) states that informed consent should provide time for patients to consider the information before making a decision, and the process should factor in the nature and complexity of the procedure.

The waiting period is thus a reasonable and appropriate safeguard, considering the significance and irreversible nature of the decision.

We urge TDs and particularly the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health not to remove the legal provision for the three-day wait period before a woman undergoes an abortion.

Sincerely,

Signatories will be listed here.

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