Robust committee exchanges over three-day abortion wait

There have been robust exchanges at the Health Committee with disagreements between members and witnesses over the mandatory three-day waiting period under current abortion legislation.

Two pro-life GPs, who do not themselves provide abortion services, were called as witnesses today.

Dr Andrew O'Regan told the committee that the three day wait "has given women time to reflect and draw on available supports."

He cited HSE statistics that show that over 10,000 women that attended the first appointment, did not attend again.

Dr O'Regan said it was "an undeniable fact that children are alive today because of this three day wait."

He said: "72 hours reflection prior to an irreversible procedure ... is a moderate safeguard," adding there was "no clinical reason to remove it."

Fianna Fáil TD Martin Ryan noted Dr O'Regan's interview on Spirit Radio, which he described as a Christian radio station.

The Mayo TD, who said he had 35 years' experience as a GP, asked the witness if he was opposed to abortion in all its forms, to which Dr O'Regan replied that he was pro-life.

Fine Gael TD Peter Roche said the three-day wait was "the only safeguard we have."

"There are thousands of children under the ages of seven, happily adjusted in life," he said.

He believed that without the three day wait, women would be less likely to get information and would go on to regret their abortion.

"Beautiful children that are alive and well today as a consequence of that safeguard," he added.

He said 64% of the population "had voted for the safeguards that we have."

Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke asked Dr O'Regan if he accepted the result of the referendum, to which Dr O'Regan said he did.

Asked if he accepted the review of the legislation that suggested removing the mandatory three-day waiting period, Dr O'Regan said he contested the review.

Dr Kirsten Fuller, who also appeared as a witness, said a lot of women expressed abortion regret.

Chair of the Committee, Padraig Rice asked Dr Fuller if she accepted that there was no clinical reason to retain the three day wait, to which she replied, "I would argue that there's something much more important...there are lives."

Deputy Rice pointed out that the HSE said at the last committee meeting that there was no clinical reason for the waiting period.

Dr O'Regan said there was a "two patient model" and it was their job to look after the mother and the baby.