Taoiseach and Tánaiste to back Sinn Féin bill removing three-day abortion waiting period
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 Irish Examiner reports.
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.
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.”
