Waterford TDs divided on abortion reform despite bipartisan support to scrap mandatory 3-day wait
The motion was passed during a session in Dáil Éireann.
A Bill to scrap the mandatory three-day wait period for people seeking an abortion has passed a Dáil vote. The bill received 86 'Tá' votes and 70 'Níl' votes after a Dáil debate last week.
The motion was introduced by Waterford TD, Deputy David Cullinane and is a rare bi-partisan victory for both Government and opposition parties. However, the vote was divided amongst Waterford TD's. Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler voted against the motion. It is in keeping with her support for a 'No' vote during the 2018 campaign to Repeal the Eighth Amendment. Fine Gael TD, Minister John Cummins also voted against the bill.
Sinn Féin TD, Deputy Conor McGuinness voted in support of his party member's Bill.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien supported the legislation.
Under the current legislation, people can avail of an abortion under 12 weeks gestation, but have to wait three days before accessing the procedure. The wait time has been described as an unnecessary barrier that prevents women from receiving vital healthcare.
Deputy Cullinane stated at the outset of the bill: "The mandatory three-day wait has caused real harm, delaying care, creating barriers and making already difficult circumstances even harder, especially for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
"Removing the forced wait does not stop anyone from taking more time. It simply means women can access healthcare when they need it. This is about compassion, dignity and trusting women."
A recent bill to scrap the wait period was proposed by Social Democrats but was narrowly defeated in the Dáil. During the debate, Deputy Cullinane spoke briefly about other barriers to safe abortion, particularly fatal foetal abnormalities: "The author of the independent report recommended that there would be an expert-led stakeholder review of that particular issue to look at the wording and to come back with recommendations for legislators."
The Bill will go on to be debated in the Seanad.
