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Dáil passes abortion bill to remove three-day wait

Catherine DoyleBBC News NI
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There is a three-day waiting period between GP consultations prior to an abortion in the Republic of Ireland

Irish politicians have voted in favour of removing the three-day mandatory wait for an abortion in the Republic of Ireland.

The vote in the Dáil (Irish parliament) on the Sinn Féin bill was carried by 86 votes to 70.

Currently there is a three-day waiting period between GP consultations and a termination up to 12 weeks.

The bill is now expected to go before the health committee for further scrutiny.

The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) and Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) voted in favour of the bill.

Government TDs had a free vote on the issue as a matter of conscience, Irish broadcaster RTÉ has reported.

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Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she welcomed the passage of the legislation

On Tuesday, Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan said the legislation was about "trusting women".

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she welcomed the passage of the legislation.

"This is an important step forward for women's healthcare and one of the most significant changes since we voted to repeal the 8th amendment," she added.

"Women, healthcare providers and campaigners have long called for this unnecessary barrier to be removed."

News imageNiall Carson/PA Wire Norma Foley is wearing a white jacket and pearl earrings. She has a black top on. Her hair is brown and bobbed. A backdrop behind her is dark green. Niall Carson/PA Wire
Minister for Children Norma Foley is one of several government figures who voted against the bill

Earlier, the Minister for Children Norma Foley said she would vote against the legislation.

Speaking before the vote, she said the current law was "part of what was put to the people" during the abortion referendum in 2018.

Meanwhile, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said he believes that there is "no public appetite" to remove the three-day wait.

Also voting against the bill, Fine Gael TD Peter Roche said he was informed by the number of women who change their mind during the three-day wait period.

The Labour Party called on the government to go further and implement all the recommendations made in the review of abortion legislation by barrister Marie O'Shea in 2022.

In her review, O'Shea also recommended removing the threat of criminal sanction for medical professionals found to have acted outside the provisions of the abortion legislation.

Abortions are also allowed if two doctors determine there is a condition likely to lead to the death of the fetus either before or within 28 days of birth.

O'Shea also recommended removing that 28-day mortality clause.