The impact of the three-day abortion wait on women
Summary
Deputies Colin Burke and Marie Sherlock debate the mandatory three-day waiting period for abortion services in Ireland. Burke argues for retaining the wait based on GP feedback and international precedents, while Sherlock cites the Irish College of General Practitioners and WHO data to claim it disproportionately harms marginalized women. The discussion highlights conflicting views on whether the delay serves as a necessary reflection period or an unnecessary barrier to care.
Topics discussed
Introduction: ICGP report on abortion waiting times
Deputy Burke defends mandatory wait citing GP advice
Host challenges Burke's anecdotal evidence vs ICGP
Burke cites EU precedents and lack of GP survey
Deputy Sherlock cites clinical reviews and WHO data
Sherlock argues wait harms marginalized women
Burke argues for reflection period to protect GPs
Sherlock highlights lack of mental health supports
Burke warns of legal exposure for GPs without wait
Host suggests collecting data from 498 providers
Sherlock criticizes committee questioning of ICGP
Burke clarifies stance and show sign-off
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